The role of religious organisations in humanitarian aid and in the Boko Haram insurgency: a case of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Borno State

The purpose of the study was to understand the role of Christian organisations in humanitarian aid in the Boko haram insurgency. It focuses to understand the motivation of the CAN in providing humanitarian aid in the Boko Haram insurgency, find out way in which religious identity is being used by CAN to navigate aid delivery in humanitarian setting, as well as identify the specific challenges that CAN faces as a religious humanitarian aid organisation in providing humanitarian aid in the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno state. A pure qualitative method was used. Data was collected using interviews, transcribed and analysed thematically in line with study objectives. The research revealed that the motivations of CAN are deeply rooted in biblical teachings and a commitment to rectify religious-based disparities. The reliance on a strong religious identity and unity shapes the organisation’s response to crisis. On the flip side, the security threats, discrimination from government officials, limited government support and the lack of cooperation among stakeholders collectively paint a complex picture for CAN. The paper establishes that CAN response should be encouraging the separation of politics from the religious works and promote love, forgiveness, and compassion.