The Federal Government of Nigeria has described a recent joint report by the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee on Christian persecution in Nigeria as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral security cooperation.
The report, submitted to the White House on Monday, highlighted security challenges across Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government remains committed to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of religion or region.
“Nigeria acknowledges that parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts that have tragically affected many communities.
The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from these criminal acts, and we extend our sympathies to all victims and their families, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region,” Idris said.
The statement emphasised that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution.
“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,” the statement added.
Idris outlined steps taken to tackle insecurity, including enhanced military and law enforcement operations, improved intelligence sharing, the deployment of forest guards to deny safe havens for criminals, and investment in equipment and technology to support security agencies.
He also highlighted efforts to assist internally displaced persons and strengthen community-level peacebuilding.
“Nigeria values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States. Our two countries share common interests in promoting security, economic development, and regional stability.
“We remain open to constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty,” Idris said.
The government stressed that it would continue engaging international partners through diplomatic channels while prioritising the protection of Nigerians.
The report follows a series of US actions, including the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump under the International Religious Freedom Act in October 2025.
The designation, citing Christian persecution, prompted congressional hearings and discussions on potential sanctions.
In December 2025, the US carried out airstrikes on ISIS-linked militants in Sokoto State, supported by Nigerian intelligence.
The Tinubu administration has rejected the CPC designation, arguing that insecurity affects all faiths and warning against narratives that could incite religious conflict.
