Archbishop warns of threat to Christianity in Nigeria

A number one Nigerian archbishop has warned that Christianity is facing a sustained and deliberate threat in Africa’s most populous nation, as waves of violence, kidnappings and fear proceed to spread.

Ignatius Kaigama made the remarks at a press conference in Madrid organised by Aid to the Church in Need, where he spoke candidly concerning the challenges facing Christians in Nigeria.

He said: “There is an Islamic programme to cut back the influence, growth and development of the Christian faith in Nigeria. A deliberate programme by Islamists to cut back the Christian presence on this country…”

The archbishop also warned of the growing impact of Shari’a law in parts of the country, saying: “Shari‘a has also been imposed on many who aren’t Muslims. Although they are saying it is just for Muslims, many individuals within the north have lost their rights, their lives and can’t live in a correct way.

“If this continues, we will probably be in peril of losing our faith and of not having the essential strength to sustain our faith and our Church.”

Violence in northern Nigeria continues to be driven by extremist groups including Boko Haram and ISWAP, alongside attacks blamed on Fulani militants and an increase in criminal kidnappings.

Archbishop Kaigama described how each clergy and worshippers are being targeted in an effort to spread fear.

“They are injecting fear into our priests, kidnapping priests time and again and again.

“They are injecting fear into the laity who gather to have fun Mass by bombing them, shooting them, threatening them … to stop them from getting together.”

Recent attacks underline the size of the crisis. On 16 March, in Maiduguri, suicide bombers struck a hospital, market and post office, killing 28 people and injuring greater than 100.

Even within the capital, Abuja, the situation is worsening. The archbishop revealed that priests have been kidnapped in his own diocese, while others have fled parishes as a result of repeated death threats.

He also reflected on international efforts to handle the crisis, including military motion linked to Donald Trump in late 2025.

While noting that the US president “was the primary international leader to announce that the Church of Nigeria was being persecuted”, he said the strikes “has further inflamed the Islamists in that territory”.

He added: “The variety of attacks and kidnappings by Boko Haram and the opposite groups has been growing ever since …

“We thought he was going to come back and attack the foundation of the issue, the foundation of Boko Haram, that he was going to eradicate all this and that we could live in peace. It has not achieved much – in truth it has achieved the alternative effect.”

Describing the size of the crisis, Archbishop Kaigama said the variety of murders and kidnappings is “incredible”, adding that his overriding concern is “the best way to heal Nigeria”.

He stressed that the conflict shouldn’t be only about religion, but in addition deeper national struggles.

“There is a contest for the soul of Nigeria. And not only the soul, but in addition the fabric resources.”

Despite the violence, he called on the international community to take concrete motion, while also urging Christians to reply in faith.

“Prayer can heal all problems,” he said.

The archbishop has called for greater international support and continued prayer as efforts to handle the violence and instability in Nigeria proceed.