Government says claims of religious persecution are unfounded and based on misinformation
The Federal Government of Nigeria has responded to recent developments following the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the United States government and threats of military invasion allegedly made by US President Donald Trump.
Through the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the government said it was aware of the tension and anxiety the announcements had caused among Nigerians, assuring citizens that the situation is being handled diplomatically and strategically.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the clarification during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, stating that Nigeria remains committed to addressing its security challenges without compromising national sovereignty.
Nigeria acknowledges security challenges but rejects biased narrative
According to Idris, the Nigerian government has long recognized the security difficulties confronting the nation since the emergence of the Boko Haram terrorist group in 2009. He stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken bold steps to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent extremism that have plagued different parts of the country.
“The federal government has always recognized the security challenges that have beset the country since 2009 with the advent of Boko Haram terrorists,” the Minister said.
He explained that Nigeria had taken note of the United States’ position concerning alleged violations of religious freedom, but insisted that such claims were misguided and based on faulty information.
“Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike. President Tinubu is more than determined to confront and end these security challenges,” Idris stated.
Over 13,500 terrorists neutralized, 17,000 suspects arrested
Highlighting the achievements of Nigeria’s security forces since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the Minister disclosed that over 13,500 terrorists have been neutralized through coordinated military operations. Additionally, more than 17,000 suspects linked to terrorism and other violent crimes have been arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation or prosecution.
“Nigeria’s security agencies have neutralized more than 13,500 terrorists through sustained operations and arrested over 17,000 suspects, who are now undergoing interrogation or prosecution for various offences,” Idris revealed.
He added that the security forces have also successfully rescued more than 9,800 abducted victims, including women and children, many of whom have been reintegrated into their communities.
Terrorism in Nigeria not driven by religion, says Idris
The Minister emphasized that terrorism in Nigeria does not target any specific religious or ethnic group, describing the violence as mindless extremism that seeks to destabilize the nation’s peace and unity.
“The menace of terrorism in Nigeria does not exclusively target any religious or ethnic group. Extremism is blind to religion, tribe, or class. It is a war against all peace-loving Nigerians and against the unity and progress of our great nation,” he said.
Idris stated that suggestions portraying the Nigerian government as unwilling to protect religious groups are misrepresentations of the country’s realities. He pointed out that both Christians and Muslims serve prominently in Nigeria’s security agencies and are equally committed to defending the nation.
“Several leading personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the intelligence community are Christians, working and succeeding alongside their Muslim colleagues in the fight against extremists and criminals,” he added.
Regional and global factors contributing to insecurity
The Information Minister also drew attention to the complex regional dimension of Nigeria’s security challenges, especially the spillover effects of instability in the Sahel region and the collapse of Libya over a decade ago. He said these events flooded the region with illegal arms and foreign fighters, intensifying terrorism across West Africa.
“The regional dimension underscores why Nigeria continues to champion greater cooperation within ECOWAS, the African Union, and with international partners – including the United States – to stabilize the Sahel and cut off the transnational lifelines of terrorism,” Idris explained.
He added that Nigeria’s proactive role in regional security coordination has been key to curbing the spread of extremist networks operating across borders.
Government links farmer-herder conflicts to climate change
Speaking further, the Minister highlighted the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of insecurity, particularly in the North-Central region, where clashes between farmers and herders have persisted.
According to him, the conflicts in states like Plateau and Benue have been worsened by climate change and desertification, which continue to push herders southward in search of grazing land.
“The other issue is the socio-economic dimension of the conflict in the North-Central, especially in Plateau and Benue States, exacerbated by age-long farmers-herders clashes made worse by climate change and desertification,” he said.
Government reassures citizens of continued security efforts
The Minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring national security and religious harmony, stating that the Tinubu administration will continue to invest in military modernization, intelligence gathering, and community policing.
He urged Nigerians and the international community to disregard any misleading narrative that seeks to portray the country as failing in its duty to protect citizens, stressing that Nigeria remains a sovereign and resilient nation working tirelessly to overcome its challenges.
“Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian State is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on misinformation. Nigeria will continue to defend its unity, its people, and its sovereignty,” Idris concluded.
