By Paul Joseph
The Federal Government of Nigeria has acknowledged a recent report by committees of the United States House of Representatives on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, stating that the document should form the basis for broader and constructive engagement between both nations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government had taken note of recommendations contained in a joint report submitted to the White House by the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.
Idris noted that while Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges in parts of the country including terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes, the violence is not rooted in state policy or religious bias.
“The violence being confronted by our security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions,” he said.
The minister stressed that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens, regardless of faith or background. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding those protections and ensuring equal treatment under the law.
He also conveyed the government’s concern over the loss of lives and destruction of property caused by criminal violence, extending sympathies to victims and their families “regardless of faith, ethnicity or region.”
According to Idris, the Federal Government has intensified coordinated military and law enforcement operations in affected regions to tackle evolving threats.
He said ongoing counter-terrorism offensives have degraded the operational capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping syndicates, and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal elements.
The government maintains that its security response is targeted at criminality in all its forms, with no discrimination on religious or ethnic grounds.
Idris emphasised that Nigeria values its longstanding partnership with the United States and remains open to constructive dialogue anchored on mutual respect and shared responsibility.
He said the recent congressional report should serve as a platform for enhanced collaboration in promoting religious tolerance, strengthening counter-terrorism efforts, and addressing broader security concerns.
“The Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels while remaining focused on its primary duty, the protection of all Nigerians,” he added.
The response signals Abuja’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Washington while defending its record on religious freedom and national security
Leave a Reply