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Catholic bishop: ‘There’s no political will in fight against terrorism in Nigeria’

July 10, 2026 · 1 min read

YOLA, Nigeria — Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Nigeriaʼs Catholic Diocese of Yola has said the countryʼs inability to defeat terrorism is not due to a lack of military resources but rather the absence of the political will needed to end the persistent insecurity that has claimed thousands of lives in the West African country.

Speaking to ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, on the sidelines of the Catholic Menʼs Organization (CMO) meeting of the Jos Ecclesiastical Province on July 7, Mamza expressed concern about the governmentʼs failure to demonstrate sufficient commitment to tackling insurgency despite Nigeria possessing the capacity to overcome the threat.

“In the security challenges that we are facing, we all know that the government is unserious,” the bishop said, noting that the countryʼs continued struggles against terrorism raises serious questions about the commitment of those entrusted with protecting citizens.

“You cannot say that the government doesnʼt have a hand in what is happening since the government is not prepared to resolve these issues and also give the military full authority to get rid of the terrorists,” Mamza said.

The Church leader…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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Peter Clark

It's sad to hear the bishop call it like that — the government not giving the military full authority sounds like the real problem. Praying for the families in Yola who've lost people to this mess.

Дмитрий Морозов

It’s a pity that even the bishop says directly: the government does not give the army complete freedom to act. Thousands of people have already died, but things are still there. I will pray for the families in Yola who have lost loved ones.

Красимира Петрова

It is a pity that the bishop directly says that the government does not give full power to the military. It must be terrible in Yola for the people who are afraid every day. I will pray for the families who have lost loved ones.

Christopher Scott

The bishop's point about not giving the military full authority hits hard — if they have the resources but won't let them finish the job, it's no wonder this has dragged on for years in places like Yola. Sad to see the same pattern keep costing lives. Will keep the families there in my prayers tonight.

Κώστας Χατζής

Too bad the bishop says it so clearly: the government does not give full power to the military, while they have the means. In Yola, people keep disappearing and all we can do is pray for the families.

Sarah Moore

It's striking how the bishop keeps coming back to the government not giving the military full authority, even though the resources are there. The families in Yola have already buried too many. I'll remember them at liturgy this week.

Ζωή Λαμπροπούλου

I agree, Kostas, in Giola families live in fear every day and prayer is all they have left. But I wonder, if the military gets full power unchecked, will other mistakes be made that will cost innocent lives? Peace also needs justice, not just weapons.

Αντώνης Λαμπρόπουλος

Kostas, you are right, in Giola the families can't take it anymore. The bishop said it clearly: the means are not lacking, the political will is lacking. But I wonder, how are we going to push for that power to be given without getting into new problems?

James Bennett

Yeah, that line about not giving the military full authority really stood out to me too. My cousin's parish in Maiduguri has lost three catechists to Boko Haram raids in the last couple years, and every time it's the same story — troops get pulled back just when they're making headway. What do you think is actually behind the reluctance?

Αντώνης Αντωνίου

I agree Zoe, fear in Yola is daily and prayer helps a lot. But without full authority over the military, terrorists continue to kill innocents every week – perhaps a check that doesn't tie their hands is needed. What do you say, how can justice be combined with decisive action?

Γιώργος Βασιλείου

I agree Antonis, in Giola the families have reached their limits. The point is that if we give more power to the military without simultaneously controlling corruption, we risk seeing new scandals. How do you see it, should we pressure first from the side of the Church with statements or should we also mobilize local rulers?

Νίκη Λαμπροπούλου

I agree George, corruption is the biggest obstacle and in Giola the families are tired. We have to pressure the Church first with statements, because the local rulers often get involved. Have you seen anything specific there lately?

Ευάγγελος Παπαγεωργίου

Yes Niki, corruption really eats everything there. In Yola the families who lost children to attacks say exactly what you say, that the locals don't want it to end. I didn't go recently, but my cousin who fishes near the border told me that last month they burned a village again and nobody moved. Do you think the statements from the Church will reach Abuja?

Ηλίας Καραγιάννης

Yes Niki, corruption is indeed eating away at everything and families in Yola are exhausted. From the Church we must continue the pressure, but also help practically those who lose their homes. How do you see the CMO moving there?