Borno Can Demands Boko Haram Release Captives at Special Prayers

June 19, 2026 — Emeka Igwe 3 min read

The Christian Association of Borno State, known locally as Borno Can, organised a special prayer session on Thursday calling for the liberation of citizens held captive by Boko Haram insurgents and a lasting end to insecurity across the region. The event brought together worshippers at a venue in Maiduguri, the state capital, who gathered to pray for peace and the safe return of those still in captivity.

Prayers for Captive Release

Church leaders and congregation members filled the prayer ground as religious figures led supplications asking for divine intervention in securing the freedom of Boko Haram captives. The special prayers, attended by hundreds of worshippers, reflected the deep pain communities in Borno State have endured following years of insurgency. Leaders within the association stated the gatherings were necessary given the prolonged suffering of families whose loved ones remain in captivity.

Communities Demand Permanent Peace

Beyond prayers for captives, worshippers also called for a complete cessation of violence that has plagued northeastern Nigeria for more than a decade. Residents who spoke to Leadership noted that sporadic attacks continue to disrupt daily life in rural areas surrounding Maiduguri. The Christian Association has repeatedly advocated for enhanced security measures to protect civilians, particularly in communities that remain vulnerable to raids by armed groups.

Impact on Daily Life

For many families in Borno State, the instability has forced changes to how children attend school, how markets operate, and when families can safely travel between villages. Local leaders say the economic strain of prolonged conflict has pushed some households deeper into poverty. The prayer session underscored how insecurity shapes nearly every decision families make, from farming schedules to whether children can safely walk to school.

Religious Leaders Speak Out

Pastors who addressed the gathering emphasised that spiritual intervention must be paired with concrete efforts by authorities to dismantle insurgent networks. One clergyman told the assembly that communities cannot pray away the threat without coordinated action from security forces. The Christian Association has maintained a consistent stance that dialogue, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian support for displaced persons must all work together to address the crisis.

Decades of Conflict in Context

Boko Haram's insurgency began gaining momentum around 2009, leading to thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. Successive governments have deployed military operations and established emergency measures, yet attacks continue in isolated areas. The conflict has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with aid organisations still managing assistance for those forced from their homes years ago.

What Comes Next

The Christian Association has indicated plans to continue holding similar prayer sessions across other local government areas in Borno State. Leadership reported that church leaders would engage with state officials to push for improved support for families of captives. The group also called on the federal government to intensify efforts that could lead to negotiated releases where feasible. Residents said they would watch closely to see whether the prayers translate into measurable improvements in their safety and daily routines.