FG rebuts US Congress report, says no policy of religious persecution
By Joseph Erunke, Abuja
The federal government has responded to a joint report by two United States House Committees on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, describing the development as an opportunity for deeper engagement and broader cooperation between both countries.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government said it had taken note of the recommendations contained in the report submitted Monday to the White House by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.
While acknowledging that parts of the country continue to grapple with serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and communal clashes, the federal government stressed that the violence confronting Nigeria is not rooted in state policy or religious bias.
“Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” the statement said, adding that the ongoing security threats stem from complex factors such as terrorism, organised criminality and longstanding communal tensions.
The government expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and destruction of property caused by criminal elements, extending sympathies to victims and their families “regardless of faith, ethnicity or region.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom, the government noted that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens and assures equal protection under the law.
To address the evolving security landscape, the government said it has strengthened coordinated military and law enforcement operations in affected areas.
According to the statement, counter-terrorism offensives have significantly degraded the operational capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal actors.
It further disclosed that intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration have been enhanced to improve early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
As part of renewed security strategies, the government said surveillance and clearance operations have been intensified in forested areas long exploited by criminal groups.
Specially trained forest guards have also been deployed to deny terrorists and bandits safe havens, bolster territorial control and reinforce community-level security presence.
These efforts, the statement added, are being supported by increased investments in modern equipment, mobility assets and technology for the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Beyond security operations, the federal government highlighted ongoing humanitarian interventions for internally displaced persons, as well as initiatives to facilitate the safe return of affected communities and to promote peacebuilding to ensure sustainable coexistence.
Emphasising Nigeria’s longstanding strategic partnership with the United States, the government reiterated its openness to constructive dialogue anchored on mutual respect, shared responsibility and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.
“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,” the statement added.
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