CAN on insecurity in Nigeria: Rev. John Hayab warns against celebrating security gains while kidnappings persist and citizens remain in captivity

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Hayab, has cautioned against celebrating recent security gains in the country, saying the continued abduction of citizens shows Nigeria has not yet attained real peace.

Also read: CAN Chief Condemns Kaduna Church Abductions

Hayab made the remarks on Saturday during an exclusive interview in Kaduna, shortly after receiving an Award of Excellence from the Northern Christian Youth Professionals.

He said any recognition given to Nigerians or public officials should serve as a reminder to intensify efforts to end insecurity, rather than a basis for celebration.

“There is nothing to dance about while innocent citizens are still in captivity and criminal elements continue to operate freely from the bush,” the cleric said.

While acknowledging that some parts of the country have experienced relative calm, Hayab warned that recent attacks indicate such gains remain fragile.

According to him, renewed security challenges should be a wake-up call for authorities to translate claims of progress into lasting peace.

“We have started showing that these challenges can be overcome. What we are seeing now is a test of our commitment. We must prove to the world that we are serious about peace,” he said.

Hayab assured that Christian communities would not compromise their commitment to peaceful coexistence, even in the face of threats and intimidation.

He urged believers to combine faith with wisdom, stressing that spiritual confidence must not replace personal responsibility.

“Wisdom is profitable to direct. We must apply wisdom to protect ourselves, our families and our communities,” he said, cautioning against what he described as blind faith.

On the denial of some security incidents by authorities, Hayab described such actions as unfortunate, noting that misinformation weakens public trust in government institutions.

He added that CAN had chosen to forgive those responsible and focus on rebuilding confidence.

He also disclosed that spiritual, humanitarian and trauma-healing support is being quietly extended to victims and affected communities, explaining that such interventions are often not publicised to avoid escalating demands from criminal groups.

“Our concern is to ensure that victims return safely, receive the needed care and are restored to their communities,” Hayab said.

Explaining the rationale for the award, National Chairman of the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, Isaac Abrack, said Hayab was honoured for his courage and consistency in promoting interfaith dialogue and sustainable development across Northern Nigeria.

Abrack said the cleric’s advocacy for peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, particularly during periods of heightened tension in Kaduna State, had contributed to improved cooperation and development.

On rising insecurity and recent mass abductions, Abrack reiterated calls for a community-based forest guard system, noting that residents of forest-bordering communities should be trained and empowered to protect their environments.

Also read: CAN Leader Hayab Urges Tinubu to Expose Terror Sponsors

He expressed confidence that abducted worshippers would be rescued, citing ongoing intelligence-driven operations, and urged Nigerians to continue praying for the success of security efforts and an end to insecurity nationwide.