By Godwin Ogar
There is no doubt that Nigeria is facing a lot of challenges as a nation, and most of these challenges are rooted in security, which lies at the core of the country’s existence. Between Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, 2026, two developments underscored Nigeria’s security crisis on the international stage.
First, a US‑based media outlet reported the arrest of Mahmoud Adam, alleged leader of the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM), accused of masterminding targeted killings in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt, described in some quarters as “Christian genocide.” Second, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a Plateau State cleric, arrived in Israel for an international Christian gathering to raise awareness about the plight of Christians in Nigeria.
According to the US outlet Daily Caller, Adam, a resident of Plateau State, was allegedly the secret leader of FEM. The report claimed that photos sent by a whistle‑blower showed Adam meeting with Nigerian military leaders and receiving gifts, while a serving senator had previously intervened to secure his release from custody.
The operation that led to his arrest reportedly took place on September 12 at his compound in Plateau State, where he was serving as a prominent Fulani community leader. A former US intelligence officer confirmed the arrest, describing Adam as a terrorist linked to deadly attacks against Christians.
The following day, US Congressman Riley Moore welcomed the development, praising Nigeria’s government for the arrest and highlighting ongoing US‑Nigeria security cooperation. “The arrest of Mahmoud Adam, a radical Islamic Fulani terrorist leader responsible for the killings of countless Christians, is proof that the US‑Nigeria Security Cooperation agreement is bearing fruit,” Moore posted on X. He added that Congress and the Trump administration were committed to defending Christians in Nigeria.
This development reflects the growing internationalisation of Nigeria’s security crisis. While the Nigerian government insists its security efforts are aimed at protecting all citizens irrespective of tribe or religion, the framing of the conflict abroad often emphasises religious persecution.
While Nigeria’s government continues to battle insecurity at home, international advocacy has become a parallel effort. Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s arrival in Israel was part of a broader Christian advocacy tour aimed at spotlighting violence in Nigeria.
Upon arrival, Dachomo posted: “I will pray for Christians and Muslims who are being killed in Nigeria. I will pray for the people of Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, and every community that has buried loved ones because of violence. I will also remember my own village and the people who were killed when violence came into our community. Those memories are painful. There are wounds that money cannot heal and graves that can never be forgotten.”
His words reflect the depth of Nigeria’s crisis, where violence has affected communities across religious and ethnic lines. By framing his prayers for both Christians and Muslims, Dachomo underscored the need for unity in the face of shared suffering.
Nigeria’s security challenges are not new. Since independence in 1960, the country has grappled with ethno‑religious tensions, communal clashes, and insurgencies. The Maitatsine riots of the 1980s, the rise of Boko Haram in the 2000s, and the farmer‑herder conflicts in the Middle Belt all illustrate how religion and ethnicity have been weaponised in struggles over land, resources and political power.
The Middle Belt, particularly Plateau and Benue states, has long been a flashpoint. Its diverse population of Christians, Muslims and traditionalists has often been manipulated by political actors, leading to cycles of violence. International observers increasingly describe the killings as religiously motivated, though local dynamics often involve competition over land and grazing routes.
Nigeria’s diversity has often been exploited to fuel division, but recent efforts show that collaboration is possible. In August 2026, Muslim and Christian leaders signed a peace agreement during an international conference in Abuja organised by the Muslim World League and JIBWIS Nigeria. The agreement reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and understanding.
The conference, themed “Diversity and Social Peace: Partnership for a Promising Future,” brought together Islamic scholars, Christian leaders and political figures from across Africa and Europe. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who participated, emphasised that diversity should be a source of strength, not division. He highlighted Kaduna’s “Peace Model,” which uses inclusive governance, dialogue and community engagement to reduce tensions and rebuild trust.
This model demonstrates that deliberate policies can reduce insecurity. By treating all citizens as equal stakeholders, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, Kaduna has made progress in reducing violence.
The arrest of Mahmoud Adam also highlights the role of international cooperation. US officials framed the arrest as evidence of the US‑Nigeria Security Cooperation agreement’s success. This reflects a broader trend: Nigeria’s security challenges are increasingly seen as global concerns.
International organisations, foreign governments and advocacy groups have all called for stronger action. The United States has provided intelligence and training, while the European Union has supported peacebuilding initiatives. Religious advocacy tours, like Rev. Dachomo’s, aim to mobilise global solidarity.
Yet, Nigeria must balance external support with internal ownership. Security cannot be outsourced. While international cooperation is valuable, lasting peace requires Nigerian institutions to build trust, strengthen justice systems, and promote tolerance.
Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be solved by force alone. Every attempt to elevate one religion above another has only deepened divisions. What is needed is deliberate collaboration among Christians, Muslims and other groups to foster tolerance and unity.
The federal government and sub‑national governments must prioritise religious tolerance as a cornerstone of peacebuilding. Citizens must resist being pushed to the wall, because when people feel cornered, conflict becomes inevitable. Instead, Nigeria must cultivate an environment where differences are respected and diversity is celebrated.
Peaceful coexistence is indispensable to Nigeria’s stability, development and shared prosperity. If Nigeria can harness its diversity as a strength, the country can overcome insecurity and become prosperous again for the good of all.
The arrest of Mahmoud Adam and Rev. Dachomo’s advocacy in Israel are two sides of the same coin. One reflects Nigeria’s security operations at home, the other highlights international advocacy abroad. Together, they underscore the urgency of Nigeria’s crisis and the need for solutions that go beyond military action.
Nigeria’s future depends on building bridges across religious divides. Peace agreements, inclusive governance models, and international cooperation all point to possible pathways. But the most important step is fostering tolerance among ordinary Nigerians.
As Governor Uba Sani noted, diversity should be a source of strength, not division. If Nigeria can embrace this truth, it can turn its challenges into opportunities and build a future where peace and prosperity are shared by all.
