Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – "Insecurity affects all Nigerians, not just Christians," emphasizes Msgr. Matthew Man'oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, Chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), in an interview with Fides.
Q. The Archdiocese of Kaduna has been particularly affected by mass kidnappings in recent months (see Fides, 12/2/2026), but entire regions of Nigeria have long suffered from insecurity. What do you think is the reason for this?
A. The violence has several causes, from a lack of education and land conflicts between farmers and ranchers to widespread poverty, which drives many to join criminal gangs. This is particularly evident in the frequent kidnappings for ransom. It is a purely criminal phenomenon that makes no distinctions: anyone can become a victim of these gangs. Additionally, it must be considered that there are several areas in Nigeria where the government has no presence. Therefore, non-state actors can easily seize control of these areas and use them as bases for attacks on other regions.
Q. Thus, violence affects everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
A. The problem of insecurity in Nigeria is complex, especially in the north of the country. Geographical factors play a significant role. In areas with a predominantly Christian population, such as the Middle Belt, Christians are most affected by the violence of armed gangs or jihadists. Conversely, in areas with a Muslim majority, such as the northeast, Muslims are most affected by violence. Therefore, the widespread insecurity affects not only Christians but also Muslims.
Q. What impact does this situation have on the daily life of the Church?
A. In the most insecure areas, the daily life of the Church is severely disrupted. In my diocese of Kaduna, for example, numerous mission stations are closed because pastoral workers—priests, religious, and catechists—cannot move about freely and safely. The Church does not exist separately from the rest of society. Therefore, its daily life in the areas most affected by insecurity, like that of the rest of the population, is shaped by this situation.
Q. The US government recently designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to the persecution of Christians. What is your opinion on this?
A. Nigeria is a country of concern for us because the Christian minority in the north faces various forms of discrimination. Particularly in the northeast, Christians encounter restrictions when it comes to filling certain jobs, but there are also significant limitations on acquiring land to build churches, while predominantly Christian areas are generally systematically neglected. Therefore, it can be said that there are forms of Christian persecution in these northern regions, but not throughout all of Nigeria.
Q. In your opinion, is the Nigerian government taking sufficient measures to combat insecurity?
A. Last month, the federal government announced that it had allocated funds to strengthen its security forces. However, we believe that the government can do more to ensure the safety of Nigerians. Furthermore, the Nigerian military has already conducted successful security and peacekeeping missions in other countries; therefore, there is no reason why it should not be equally effective at home. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 12/3/2026)
