The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invest more in modern technology and intelligence-driven security architecture to effectively address the escalating insecurity across the country.
The President of the CBCN, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, made the call during his address at the opening session of the 2026 First Plenary Meeting of the Conference held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja.
Ugorji lamented the persistent wave of violence, describing the nation’s security situation as alarming. He decried the increasing incidents of mass killings, kidnappings, and destruction of communities across several states, noting that Nigeria continues to witness “senseless massacres, mass burials, endless tears and grief.”
He referenced recent mass kidnapping incidents in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, and Kogi States, involving students, pupils, and worshippers.
He also expressed outrage over reported killings in Woro and Nuku villages in Kwara State, where scores of residents were allegedly murdered by armed extremists.
According to him, many of the victims were found bound, burned, or brutally attacked, while homes were razed and several persons abducted.
“Nigeria continues to bleed endlessly,” Ugorji stated.
The bishops emphasized that addressing insecurity requires more than declarations of a state of emergency and reactive military responses.
They urged the government to strengthen surveillance systems, deploy advanced technological equipment, and enhance the intelligence-gathering capabilities of security agencies to enable proactive detection and prevention of terrorist attacks.
According to the CBCN, the current reactive approach has not sufficiently protected vulnerable communities. “The largely reactive or counter-attack strategy is akin to administering medicine after death,” the bishops noted.
They further called for the swift arrest, prosecution, and accountability of perpetrators of insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, including their sponsors.
The bishops warned that delays in prosecuting arrested terrorists or the reintegration of repentant insurgents under programmes such as Operation Safe Corridor could create perceptions of complicity and weaken public confidence in government efforts.
Concerns Over 2025 Tax Act
Beyond security, the CBCN also raised concerns about the newly implemented 2025 Tax Act, which took effect on January 1, 2026.
The Act is designed to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal framework by consolidating tax laws, simplifying compliance processes, and promoting economic growth.
While acknowledging the anticipated benefits of the reform—such as reduced tax burdens for low-income earners and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), VAT relief on essential goods, digital filing systems, and business incentives—the bishops cautioned that the policy could present significant challenges.
They expressed concern over potential compliance costs for small businesses, administrative bottlenecks, and the need for comprehensive taxpayer education to ensure effective implementation.
The bishops also warned of widespread fears that the reforms could inadvertently increase the cost of living, deepen economic hardship, and push more unemployed youths toward criminal activities if not carefully managed.
The CBCN urged the Federal Government to address these concerns transparently and ensure that both security and economic reforms are implemented in ways that promote justice, accountability, and the welfare of all Nigerians.
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