Nigeria: From Militants to Missionaries – A Story of Faith & Transformation
*** Warning: This story contains references to gruesome violence ***
ABUJA, Nigeria – In a nation long scarred by religious and ethnic violence, a remarkable transformation is underway in Nigeria, as former militants are turning away from extremism and embracing Christianity. Youth With A Mission (YWAM) reports a surge in conversions and a growing movement of reconciliation, even as the country remains designated a “country of particular concern” by the United States government due to ongoing persecution of Christians.
For years, Nigeria has been a hotspot of conflict, with Christian communities facing systematic attacks including beheadings, rape, arson, and torture. The plight of Nigerian Christians has garnered increased international attention, prompting the U.S. To re-designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” in recent months. Amidst this backdrop of tragedy, YWAM is establishing ministry-training bases that are becoming centers of healing, and redemption.
A newly released film, Go Africa, produced by YWAM, documents these extraordinary stories. The film features testimonies from child soldiers who have renounced violence and embraced faith, alongside accounts of Christian widows rebuilding their lives after losing husbands to extremist attacks. The film also chronicles the origins of a significant YWAM base in Nigeria, which has grown to become one of the largest in Africa, though its precise location remains undisclosed for security reasons.
YWAM’s work extends to providing sanctuary and trauma care for the wives of pastors killed in the northern regions of Nigeria. Up to 150 widows seek refuge and healing at a YWAM base every six months, confronting the deep wounds left by loss and violence. The film depicts harrowing accounts of brutality and the prevalence of satanic rituals within some extremist groups.
Paul Dangtoudma, the founder and leader of the YWAM base, described the initial conditions when he arrived from Burkina Faso. “When God called us to go to that place, it was a no-go zone full of violence. A lot of people lost their lives there. Many villages were destroyed. Young people lost their lives. There was a lot of chaos,” he said.
His wife, Rachel Dangtoudma, initially harbored fears about bringing their daughters to such a dangerous environment, but experienced a profound shift in perspective. “God changed my heart and gave me His heart for the nation of Nigeria,” she explained.
The YWAM base was established on land previously owned by militants and occultists, where, according to the Dangtoudmas, Christians were once subjected to demonic rituals and killings. The transformation of this land symbolizes the broader spiritual battle taking place within the country.
One particularly harrowing story featured in the film recounts the experience of a young man seeking revenge for his sister’s rape and murder. Driven by grief and rage, he sought power through dark spiritual practices, undergoing a ritualistic burial intended to resurrect him with demonic strength. He emerged transformed, adopting the name “Nightmare” and leading a Boko Haram-influenced massacre in his former village.
The film highlights the pervasive influence of Boko Haram and the widespread violence inflicted upon communities. A local woman, whose identity was not disclosed, described the group’s tactics: “Boko Haram has literally actually taken over the whole place. They get into villages, and they wipe them out. They kill their men. They take the girls. You find little girls that become mothers as 10- to 11-year-olds.”
Despite the immense challenges, YWAM’s work is yielding tangible results. Approximately two-thirds of the staff at the base are former militants who have embraced Christianity. Graduates of YWAM’s discipleship training school (DTS) are now pursuing diverse paths, including legal careers in England, pastoral roles, and worship leadership positions.
The Dangtoudmas emphasize the importance of prayer for Nigeria, believing the nation holds the potential to become a beacon of hope for the African continent and the world. “Nigeria will impact the world. There will be a lot of missionaries being released around the world. We will see a model of society that God wants to establish as Nigeria changes and becomes disciples of Jesus,” Paul Dangtoudma stated.
The film, dedicated to the memory of Loren Cunningham, the founder of YWAM, was directed by his son, David L. Cunningham, and funded by donations from around the world. It is currently available for free download and viewing at YWAM: The Go Movie.
The ongoing conflict in Nigeria is fueled by a complex interplay of factors, including religious extremism, ethnic tensions, and political rivalries. The transformation of former militants into evangelists represents a powerful counter-narrative to the cycle of violence, offering a glimpse of hope for a more peaceful future. However, the challenges remain significant, and the need for continued humanitarian assistance and international attention is paramount.