The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar, has rejected claims of targeted killings of Christians in the country, describing them as misleading and an attempt to influence foreign governments, especially the United States, into classifying Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
In a statement released on Friday, signed by Acting Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry acknowledged the security challenges Nigeria faces but clarified that these incidents are not driven by religious motives or targeted at any specific religious group.
The Ministry emphasized that the ongoing insurgency and banditry, particularly in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim northern regions, are not aimed at any particular religious community.
It is worth noting that U.S. Congressional reports have previously raised concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria, leading to the country’s prior designation as a CPC. However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected these claims, stating that the country’s security challenges are complex and not rooted in religious persecution.
The Ministry further reiterated that Nigeria is a diverse nation with a long history of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths. The government remains committed to safeguarding all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender.
The statement clarified that the current security issues stem from criminal activities, terrorism, and communal clashes, particularly between farmers and herders, aggravated by factors such as climate change, population growth, and competition for land. These challenges, the Ministry asserted, do not constitute systemic religious persecution.
The Ministry also outlined steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address these security concerns, including deploying security forces to conflict-prone areas, improving intelligence gathering, and fostering cooperation between security agencies. Community engagement initiatives aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation were also highlighted.
While acknowledging the progress made in combating banditry and insurgency, the Ministry noted that recent military operations have substantially weakened criminal groups. It also mentioned efforts to combine kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, integrating military actions with dialogue and economic reforms to address the root causes of insecurity.
As part of long-term solutions to conflicts related to land use, the government has created a Ministry of Livestock Development and appointed a Special Adviser and Coordinator for Livestock Reforms to oversee sustainable solutions for pastoral farming. This initiative is seen as essential for reducing land disputes between farmers and herders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to verify information before making statements that could escalate tensions within Nigeria. It called on the media, civil society organizations, and international partners to refrain from disseminating unverified claims that could harm national unity and stability.
The statement also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and interfaith harmony, stating that the government would continue working with religious leaders and stakeholders to promote peace.
“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa and is committed to preserving this heritage,” the statement concluded.
While the Ministry welcomed constructive dialogue and support from the international community in addressing security concerns, it firmly rejected any attempts to misrepresent the situation, distort narratives, or sow division among Nigerians.
