‘No State Policy Of Religious Persecution’ — FG Responds To US Congress Report On Nigeria

The Federal Government has rejected suggestions of state-backed religious persecution in Nigeria, declaring that “Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” following a joint report submitted to the White House by the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the United States House Committee on Appropriations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said the government had taken note of the recommendations emerging from engagements within the United States Congress concerning security developments in Nigeria.

The report, which focused on Christian persecution in Nigeria, was submitted to the White House on Monday.

Responding, the federal government acknowledged that “parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts that have tragically affected many communities,” but insisted that the violence being confronted by security agencies “is not driven by government policy or religious bias.”

“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 statement read.

The government stressed that the security crisis in parts of the country is rooted in “complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions,” rather than any religious agenda.

“It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” Idris said, adding that the constitution guarantees “freedom of religion and freedom of worship for all citizens” and that the government remains “firmly committed to upholding these constitutional protections and to ensuring equal protection under the law.”

The statement highlighted ongoing counter-terrorism operations across affected regions, noting that recent offensives have “degraded the capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks, and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal elements.”

According to the minister, intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration have been enhanced to improve “early warning and rapid response mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.”

He also disclosed that the government has intensified surveillance and clearance operations in forested areas long exploited by criminal groups, alongside the establishment and deployment of specially trained forest guards aimed at denying “terrorists and bandits safe havens, improve territorial control, and strengthen community-level security presence.”

“These efforts are complemented by increased investment in equipment, mobility assets, and technology to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies,” the statement added.

Beyond security operations, the federal government said efforts are ongoing to strengthen humanitarian support for internally displaced persons, facilitate the safe return of affected communities, and promote “community-based peacebuilding initiatives that foster sustainable coexistence.”

Reaffirming Nigeria’s diplomatic posture, Idris said the country values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States and remains open to “constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.”

“The Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels while remaining focused on its primary duty — the protection of all Nigerians,” he said.