Seek External Professional Help to End Killings: Catholic Paramilitary Group in Nigeria to Government

Abuja, 15 August, 2025 / 5:48 PM

Officials at the Man of Order and Discipline (M.O.D), a paramilitary group set up by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to provide security and to maintain order in the Catholic Churches in the West African country, have called on the Nigerian government to seek foreign help to address the country’s growing insecurity.

In an interview with ACI Africa on Thursday, August 14, on the sidelines of a 3-day M.O.D national congress and cultural carnival, Fr. Celestine Ejike Amiofor, the National Commandant General of the entity said that with external help, those wreaking havoc against innocent civilians can be wiped out.

Fr. Amiofor noted that with modern technology and international support, however, it is possible to identify and neutralize criminal elements threatening the nation. 

“To track these bad men is so easy. If the government has the assistance of some foreign brothers and sisters, with cameras, drones, and other resources, we can wipe these people out. If the government is serious, something better can be done even tomorrow,” Fr. Amiofor said.

For him, “The government must seek foreign assistance and help if they are serious about ending insecurity and the killings going on in our country.”

The Nigerian Priest acknowledged that insecurity remains a major challenge facing the Church and the Nigerian nation at large. 

“Security of Christians right now is at the top burner and a priority to all of us. When this insecurity began, the first major attack we experienced was here in Abuja, where many of our members were killed. We are always there at the front, trying to provide security for our churches and to maintain order, even though we have no arms,” Fr. Amiofor said

The Nigerian Catholic Priest appealed to the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu-led government to take action to curb the insecurity ravaging communities. 

He condemned the activities of what he described as “the few cabals holding the peace of Nigeria at ransom,” urging them to show mercy and reconsider their actions. 

“Many lives are being wasted, lives created by God. Every soul that is wasted carelessly, anybody involved or responsible, must answer before God on the last day,” he warned.

The Commandant General of M.O.D. further urged the authorities to intensify their counter-insurgency strategies and be more transparent in their efforts. 

“We call on the government to be more serious about that. Let them try the best they can. Nigerians can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed because of insecurity, and the government must know that and work hard to restore the security of lives and property for the citizens,” he said.

On how the M.O.D. operates in the Catholic Church in Nigeria, Fr. Amiofor emphasized that while the group has no weapons to confront armed threats, it relies heavily on prayer, vigilance, and collaboration to promote safety in Catholic Churches.

“If you do anything without prayer, it can’t work,” he said, and added, “It is only God who approves and allows peace to return. We’ve been praying, doing what we can, and making consultations to ensure peace comes back.”

For Fr. Amiofor, the solution to Nigeria’s security and unity challenges lies in a combination of spiritual and practical approaches. Prayer to invite divine intervention, and decisive action by those in power to protect lives and promote justice. 

“If we unite as one people under God, and our leaders do the right thing, Nigeria will be a safer and better place to live in,” he said.

Speaking to ACI Africa at the event, the National Chaplain of M.O.D, Fr. Victor Ogunyemi, noted that members’ work in maintaining order during liturgical celebrations does not hinder them from attending Holy Mass.

“We ensure that their spirituality is not lacking by having spiritual programs like retreats and all-night vigils. Standing out there, you are connected to the Mass. It’s not about being far away from prayers, “Fr. Ogunyemi said.

He emphasized that the demanding nature of MOD duties requires members to be physically alert and mentally stable. 

“The work of MOD is not just about standing at the church gates or maintaining order during Mass. It involves dealing with people in different states of mind, sometimes under tense situations. Without proper mental health awareness and training, it becomes easy for fatigue, stress, and emotional strain to affect performance,” the Catholic Priest said.

He noted that mental health preparedness would equip members to respond calmly to unexpected incidents, reduce the risk of conflicts, and promote a more welcoming atmosphere for worshippers. 

According to him, “When our members are mentally fit, they can handle pressure better, resolve issues peacefully, and ensure that the church remains a place of safety and reverence.”

Fr. Ogunyemi also appealed to Catholic Dioceses across Nigeria to integrate mental health modules into M.O.D formation programmes. 

He emphasized that such training should be ongoing and complemented by spiritual formation.

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 “We train in liturgical order and physical security, but mental health is just as important. A healthy mind makes for a more effective ministry,” he said.

On his part, the National President of M.O.D Nigeria, Ambassador Matthew Nwaeze, described the organization as an important arm of the Church’s evangelization and moral formation, particularly for young people.

“You must be a Catholic and a communicant to join,” he said, and further explained, “We take young ones who are not yet communicants, guide them through Catechism, and help parents instill discipline in their children.”

He explained that the group operates both inside and outside Parish premises, maintaining order, protecting the Blessed Sacrament, and safeguarding Parishioners’ vehicles. 

To ensure members stay on the right path, M.O.D assigns patrons and patronesses who mentor them.

“Many of our members have gone on to become Priests,” Mr. Nwaeze noted.

Addressing the inclusion of women, the president clarified that although the name “Men of Order” originated from male-only seminaries, the organization now welcomes female members, who receive guidance from female patronesses and religious sisters.

Citing some of the challenges that the organization grapples with, Nwaeze spoke mainly about inadequate funding, training, and security tools, saying, “We need scanners, communication radios, and more training opportunities.”

Appreciating Catholic Bishops in Nigeria for adopting and giving recognition to the M.O.D, he said, “This movement has been in existence for over 42 years, and we have hoped to continue to do our job despite the challenges.”