Churches Ramp Up Security Amid Bandit Onslaught

Churches nationwide are bolstering defenses against escalating bandit violence, with many fitting closed-circuit television cameras on premises and pausing overnight vigils to shield congregants.​ Leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) emphasize vigilance, collaboration with security forces, and self-protection readiness, citing recent assaults like the November 18, 2025, raid on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where gunmen killed three and abducted 38 before federal negotiations secured releases.​

Bandit incursions have intensified in northern and central states including Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Plateau, Zamfara, Benue, and Kwara, targeting farms, roads, and religious sites.​ The Eruku incident involved assailants storming from nearby bush, demanding 100 million naira per hostage, prompting viral social media trends like worshippers shunning indoor night vigils for safer outdoor spots.​ Similar strikes hit Katsina’s Saint Paul’s Catholic Parish in August 2025, destroying facilities and halting pastoral work.​

CAN officials in Benue, Gombe, and Ekiti states have alerted members to report suspicious activity and temporarily banned border-area vigils, while coordinating with police for major events.​ PFN’s Ondo chapter mandates CCTVs, police hires for programs, and scrutiny of newcomers; northern CAN Chairman Rev. Joseph John Hayab affirms self-defense as a citizen right amid state security shortfalls.​ Former PFN President Rev. Felix Omobude draws biblical parallels to Nehemiah, advocating security-conscious operations without arms.​

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Debates rage over targeted Christian killings, with PFN and CAN Plateau chapter decrying “genocide” from attacks in Benue and Plateau, though the African Union insists violence affects all faiths via Boko Haram and bandits.​ U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened aid cuts or intervention, spurring calls for Nigeria to revamp security amid over 300 student abductions in recent weeks.​ Churches like Jesus The Light Assembly hire guards and foster awareness, pressing federal investment in local security outfits.​