By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media360Impact.
The Federal Government has responded to a joint report submitted to the White House by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and the U.S. House Appropriations Committee concerning allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria, describing the development as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged that Nigeria continues to grapple with serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts affecting several parts of the country.
He expressed sympathy to victims of violence across communities, regardless of faith, ethnicity or region.
However, the Federal Government firmly rejected claims that Nigeria operates any policy of religious persecution.
“The violence being addressed by security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias,” the statement noted, adding that the threats stem from terrorism, organised criminal networks and longstanding communal tensions.
The government reiterated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens, stressing its commitment to upholding equal protection under the law.
According to the statement, security operations across affected regions have been intensified. Ongoing counter-terrorism offensives have reportedly disrupted kidnapping networks, neutralised criminal elements and improved intelligence-sharing among agencies.
The Federal Government also highlighted increased surveillance and clearance operations in forested areas previously exploited by armed groups. Specially trained forest guards have been deployed to deny terrorists and bandits safe havens and strengthen community-level security presence.
Authorities further noted improvements in humanitarian support for internally displaced persons, efforts to facilitate safe returns to affected communities, and peacebuilding initiatives aimed at promoting long-term stability.
Nigeria, the statement added, remains committed to its longstanding strategic partnership with the United States and is open to constructive engagement grounded in mutual respect and recognition of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Federal Government reaffirmed that protecting all Nigerians remains its primary constitutional responsibility.
