The Nigerian government has strongly refuted allegations of targeted killings of Christians, dismissing such claims as misleading narratives aimed at influencing foreign policies, particularly those of the United States. In an official statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described these reports as exaggerated and politically motivated, warning that they could distort the country’s security realities and undermine national unity.
Signed by the acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the statement acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges but firmly denied any systematic persecution of Christians or any other religious group. The ministry emphasized that violence in certain regions stems from insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than religious discrimination.
“We could recall that U.S. Congress reports have previously expressed concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria, leading to the country’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern in the past. However, the Nigerian government has consistently refuted such claims, asserting that the security challenges are complex and not rooted in religious persecution. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, with a long-standing history of peaceful coexistence between people of different faiths. The government is committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender,” the statement read.
Nigeria’s security landscape is shaped by multiple factors, including insurgency in the northeastern region, banditry in the northwest, and farmer-herder conflicts across the country. The government noted that while these issues have led to tragic loss of life, they are driven by criminality, economic hardship, and competition over land rather than deliberate religious targeting. Officials highlighted that conflicts between farmers and herders, often interpreted as religious clashes, are fueled by climate change, population growth, and disputes over agricultural land.
The government outlined a series of measures implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address security concerns. These include increased deployment of security forces in conflict-prone areas, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration between security agencies. The statement also pointed to ongoing community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering reconciliation and reducing tensions between affected groups.
Significant progress has been made in weakening criminal groups through sustained military operations. The government’s approach combines kinetic strategies, such as military interventions, with non-kinetic efforts that include peace dialogues, economic development programs, and institutional reforms to address underlying security issues. Among the long-term solutions, the government has established a Ministry of Livestock Development to oversee policies that will mitigate land disputes between farmers and herders. A Special Adviser and Coordinator on Livestock Reforms has also been appointed to drive sustainable solutions for pastoral farming.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to verify information before making pronouncements that could escalate tensions within Nigeria. The government warned against misleading narratives that could be exploited to fuel division and instability. It called on media organizations, civil society groups, and foreign stakeholders to prioritize accurate reporting and avoid spreading unverified claims.
Nigeria remains committed to preserving its multi-religious and multi-ethnic harmony, ensuring the protection of all citizens regardless of their faith. The government reiterated its openness to dialogue with international partners but insisted that security challenges must be understood in their full context rather than through a lens of religious persecution.
Stay ahead with the latest news on global innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, business, and technology. Join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for real-time updates. Have a report or article? Send it to report@theinnovationtimes.com. Follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook for more insights and trends.
