Nigeria, June 17 -- Nigeria's top Muslim and Catholic leaders have expressed deep concern over the country's security situation, jointly urging the federal government to take urgent steps to curb persistent killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) made the calls in separate statements and public remarks on Tuesday.

Their interventions come amid attacks by bandits, insurgents and other armed groups, including recent incidents that left dozens dead and hundreds displaced in the northern regions.

The concerns also follow a series of high-profile security incidents in recent weeks,...