The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar, has rejected claims of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing them as misleading and intended to influence foreign governments, particularly the United States, into designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
In a press release issued on Friday, March 14, and signed by 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 aimed at any specific faith group.”
The ministry emphasized that the ongoing insurgency and banditry, especially in the predominantly Muslim northern region, are not aimed at any particular religious community. The statement was issued amid ongoing concerns in the US Congress regarding religious freedom in Nigeria, which contributed to Nigeria’s previous CPC designation. However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected these claims, stating that the country’s security issues are complex and not rooted in religious persecution.
“Nigeria is a multiethnic and multireligious country with a long history of peaceful coexistence between different faiths,” the ministry reiterated, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender.
The statement explained that the country’s security challenges are driven by criminal activities, terrorism, and communal clashes—particularly between farmers and herders. These issues have been exacerbated by factors such as climate change, population growth, and competition for land, but they do not represent systemic religious persecution.
The ministry also highlighted the efforts made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to tackle security concerns, including deploying security forces to conflict-prone areas, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing coordination among security agencies. Additionally, the government has focused on community engagement initiatives to promote peace and reconciliation across the country.
“While acknowledging the progress made in addressing banditry and insurgency, recent military operations have significantly weakened criminal groups,” the statement said. It also emphasized the government’s approach of combining military action with dialogue and economic reforms to address the root causes of insecurity.
The Nigerian government is also working on long-term solutions to land-related conflicts, including the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Livestock Reforms to manage sustainable solutions for pastoral farming and reduce land disputes between farmers and herders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to verify information before making statements that could worsen tensions in Nigeria. It also called on the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners to avoid 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 legacy,” the statement concluded. The ministry reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to religious freedom and interfaith harmony, stating that while the government welcomes constructive dialogue and international support to address security challenges, it rejects any attempts to misrepresent the situation, distort narratives, or sow division within the country.