The Federal Government on Wednesday held a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps in Abuja, where it addressed the allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria and also rejected the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern, insisting that the country didn’t target any group on the basis of faith.
Speaking at the diplomatic briefing in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, stated that claims of religious persecution misrepresented the country’s legal and social framework.
Ahmed said Nigeria’s national laws were religion-neutral and designed to protect all communities equally. He emphasised that there was no offence of blasphemy in the national legal framework, adding that Shari’a laws applicable in some northern states applied only to Muslims and operated under the supervision of the secular judicial system.
“Christian and Muslim institutions continue to operate freely, promoting peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Also, addressing journalists in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, faulted the US designation of Nigeria, describing it as a product of “misrepresentation and misinformation.”
According to Idris, terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes in the country are not religiously motivated.
“Criminal activities and terrorism do not target any particular religious group. This is not about religion, it is about crime,” he maintained.
The minister stated that since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, security agencies had neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists, arrested over 17,000 suspects, and rescued more than 9,850 abducted persons, including women and children.
He said, “Since May 2023, when he (Tinubu) took office, Nigeria’s security agencies have neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists through sustained operations, and they have arrested over 17,000 suspects who are now undergoing interrogation and prosecution for various offences.
“Also, more than 9,850 people abducted by these terrorists, including women and children, have been rescued and reintegrated with their families. It is important to note that the menace of terrorism in Nigeria does not exclusively target any religious or ethnic group. “
He added that the President was engaging diplomatic channels to address the concerns raised by Washington and to correct what he described as a “misjudgment of Nigeria’s reality.”
“The Government of Nigeria remains open and willing to work closely with the international community, including the United States and other partners, to achieve the shared goal of completely eliminating terrorism and violent extremism on Nigerian soil. The President has pledged to ensure that all those making the country unsafe are permanently removed.
He added, “Regarding the current misrepresentation of Nigeria’s security situation by the United States, President Tinubu is taking the lead in addressing all areas of misunderstanding through diplomatic and political channels.
“While we welcome collaboration, assistance, and partnership from all foreign allies, including the United States, Nigeria is not denying that we face serious security challenges. We invite all our partners and friends to join us in understanding our situation and supporting our efforts to eliminate this menace.”
