Photo Reuters. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in the country
As part of security measures, there are plans to increase the police force by 20,000 personnel, bringing the total number of officers to 50,000. Officers who will be withdrawn from VIP protection duties are to undergo special training to enhance their effectiveness in high-threat areas.
The president also proposed reviewing the establishment of boarding schools in remote regions where security is lacking and recommended that religious institutions seek protection from security services during prayers. Additionally, herders were urged not to graze cattle on open pastures and to surrender illegal weapons.
It should be noted that there have been several attacks on schools and churches in Nigeria recently. For example, on November 21, armed groups attacked St. Mary's Catholic School in Niger State, abducting 215 students and 12 teachers during the assault.
U.S. authorities have criticized the Nigerian government, accusing it of inaction regarding the mass killings of Christians by militants. President Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of a military operation to address the situation.
However, Nigerian authorities have denied claims that Christianity in the country is at risk of extinction. In response to the diplomatic crisis concerning Nigeria's Christian population, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's chief diplomat, supported the Nigerian government's position, asserting that the violence is not a religious conflict but has social roots affecting people of all faiths.
