The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar, has refuted claims of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing these allegations as misleading and aimed at influencing foreign governments, particularly the United States, to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
In a press statement issued on Friday, March 14, and signed by the acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry stated, “While the Federal Government acknowledges the security challenges in the country, these incidents are not religiously motivated or targeted at any particular faith group.”
The ministry further emphasized that insurgency and banditry, particularly in the predominantly Muslim northern region of Nigeria, are not directed at any specific religious community.
The statement comes amid ongoing reports from the US Congress, which have expressed concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria, leading to the country’s previous designation as a CPC. However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected these claims, asserting that the security challenges are multifaceted and not rooted in religious persecution.
“Nigeria is a multiethnic and multireligious nation with a long history of peaceful coexistence between people of different faiths,” the ministry reiterated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender.
The statement clarified that the ongoing security challenges in the country stem from criminality, terrorism, and communal clashes—particularly those between farmers and herders. These issues have been worsened by factors such as climate change, population growth, and competition over land resources, but do not amount to systematic religious persecution.
The ministry outlined the steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address the country’s security concerns, which include deploying security forces to conflict-prone areas, enhancing intelligence gathering, and fostering cooperation between various security agencies.
Additionally, the government highlighted community engagement initiatives designed to foster peace and reconciliation across Nigeria.
“While noting the progress made in curbing banditry and insurgency, recent military operations have significantly weakened criminal groups,” the statement stated. It also highlighted the government’s approach of combining kinetic and non-kinetic measures—military action alongside dialogue and economic reforms—to address the root causes of insecurity.
The Nigerian government is also focusing on long-term efforts to resolve conflicts related to land use. In this regard, it has established a Ministry of Livestock Development and appointed a Special Adviser and Coordinator on Livestock Reforms to oversee sustainable solutions for pastoral farming, a move aimed at 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 also called on the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine the country’s unity and stability.
“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa and is committed to preserving this heritage,” the statement concluded.
The ministry reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to freedom of religion and interfaith harmony, stressing that while the government welcomes constructive dialogue and international support in addressing security challenges, it rejects any attempts to misrepresent the situation, distort narratives, or sow division among Nigerians.