The federal government has asserted that the violence being experienced in Nigeria is not driven by government policy or religious bias but by complex security threats which include terrorism, organised criminality and long standing communal clashes.
The government stated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guaranteed freedom of religion and freedom of worship for all citizens.
It added that it remained firmly committed to upholding the protections guaranteed by the constitution and to ensure equal protection under the law.
The federal government made the assertions in reaction to “recent statements and recommendations emerging from engagements within the United States Congress, contained in a joint report on Christian persecution in Nigeria submitted to the White House on Monday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, concerning security developments in Nigeria.”
In the statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, the government acknowledged that parts of the country continued to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts that had tragically affected many communities.
It expressed the deep concern about the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from the criminal acts, and extended its sympathies to all victims and their families, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region.
The government said in response to evolving security threats, it had significantly strengthened coordinated military and law enforcement operations across affected regions.
According to it, ongoing counter-terrorism offensives had degraded the capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks, and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal elements.
Intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration, it explained, had been enhanced to improve early warning and rapid response mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
The government said in addition, it had intensified surveillance and clearance operations in forested areas long exploited by criminal groups.
It emphasized that there had been the establishment and deployment of specially trained forest guards to aim at 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,” it said.
The government added that “Efforts are also ongoing to improve humanitarian response for internally displaced persons, facilitate the safe return of affected communities, and promote community-based peacebuilding initiatives that foster sustainable coexistence.”
It said Nigeria valued its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States, pointing out that the two countries shared common interests in promoting security, economic development, and regional stability.
The government added: “We remain 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.”
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