The Federal Government of Nigeria has described a joint report by two US House committees on Christian persecution in the country as a potential catalyst for deeper cooperation with the United States, while firmly rejecting any suggestion of state-sponsored religious persecution.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government acknowledged the report submitted to the White House on Monday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.
“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 statement said. “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.”
The government stressed that Nigeria “does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution.” It described the violence as stemming from “complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions,” rather than any government policy or religious bias.
The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion and worship for all citizens, adding that the government is “firmly committed to upholding these constitutional protections and to ensuring equal protection under the law.”
Idris highlighted recent security gains, noting that coordinated military and law enforcement operations have “degraded the capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks, and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal elements.”
Intelligence-sharing and inter-agency collaboration have been strengthened, while specially trained forest guards have been deployed to clear criminal hideouts in forested areas.
The government said it is also boosting investment in equipment, mobility, and technology for the security forces, alongside improved humanitarian support for internally displaced persons and community-based peacebuilding efforts.
Despite the concerns raised in the US report, Nigeria emphasised the strength of its strategic partnership with Washington.
“Our two countries share common interests in promoting security, economic development, and regional stability,” the statement said. “We remain open to constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.”
The Federal Government said it would continue engaging international partners through diplomatic channels while focusing on its “primary duty” of protecting all Nigerians.
The minister’s statement comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of insecurity in parts of Nigeria’s North-East, North-West, and Middle Belt regions, where attacks by jihadist groups, bandits, and communal clashes have claimed thousands of lives in recent years.
