Matilda Omonaiye/
The Federal Government has described the recent joint report by two committees of the United States House of Representatives on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral engagement rather than deepen diplomatic tensions.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government acknowledged the concerns raised by the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee and the United States House Appropriations Committee, which submitted a joint report to the White House on security developments in Nigeria.
The report, which reportedly focused on claims of Christian persecution, has triggered renewed international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security landscape. However, Abuja firmly rejected suggestions of any state-backed religious bias.
The Federal Government stated unequivocally that Nigeria “does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution.”
According to the statement, the violence affecting parts of the country is driven not by government ideology or religious bias, but by “complex security threats,” including terrorism, organised criminal networks, banditry and long-standing communal tensions.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens,” the minister said, adding that the government remains committed to equal protection under the law regardless of faith, ethnicity or region.
While acknowledging persistent challenges, the government outlined ongoing measures to address insecurity across affected regions.
It disclosed that coordinated military and law enforcement operations have been strengthened, leading to the degradation of armed groups, disruption of kidnapping syndicates and the arrest or neutralisation of key criminal elements.
Particular emphasis has been placed on:
• Enhanced intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration
• Surveillance and clearance operations in forested areas
• Deployment of specially trained forest guards to deny terrorists and bandits safe havens
• Increased investment in equipment, mobility assets and security technology
The government also highlighted improvements in humanitarian response for internally displaced persons (IDPs), alongside initiatives aimed at facilitating safe return of communities and promoting grassroots peacebuilding efforts.
Describing the United States as a “longstanding and strategic partner,” Nigeria reiterated its openness to constructive dialogue rooted in mutual respect and shared responsibility.
“Our two countries share common interests in promoting security, economic development and regional stability,” the statement said, adding that engagement would continue through appropriate diplomatic channels while Nigeria remains focused on its primary duty of protecting all citizens.
Analysts note that the development may shape broader Nigeria–US security cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism strategy and humanitarian support in conflict-affected areas.
0Related posts:
Internal Security Dynamics and the Imperative of a New Policing Thought in Nigeria
Interrogating Two Years of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Under President Tinubu
US Report Demands Nigeria Scrap Sharia, Blasphemy Laws Over Christian Persecution Claims
Elections and the Role of the Nigeria Police Force in the Electoral Process – Solomon Arase
Lagos Police Kick-Off Community Policing …Set up Structures
Anatomy of a Fraud: Nigerian Journalists on Self-Cleansing Mission