In Ambassador Yusuf M.
In a press statement issued on Friday, March 14, signed by acting spokesman Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry said: “While the federal government recognizes the country’s security challenges, these incidents are not religiously motivated or targeted in any particular faith group.”
The ministry further stressed that rebellions and gangsters, especially in northern Nigeria, are not targeted at any particular religious group.
The statement was published in an ongoing report by the U.S. Congress, which expressed concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria, resulting in the country’s formerly known as the CPC. However, the Nigerian government has rejected these claims and asserted that security challenges are multifaceted rather than originating from religious persecution.
The ministry reiterated: “Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country with a long history of peaceful coexistence among different believers.”
The statement clarified that the country’s ongoing security challenges stem from crime, terrorism and public conflict, especially among farmers and herders. These problems have been exacerbated by climate change, population growth and competition for land resources, but do not constitute systemic religious persecution.
The ministry outlines steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to address security issues in the country, including deploying security forces to conflict-prone areas, strengthening intelligence gathering and promoting cooperation among various security agencies.
In addition, the Government highlighted the community engagement programme aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation throughout Nigeria.
“While pointing out progress in curbing gangsters and insurgency, recent military operations have significantly weakened criminal groups,” the statement said. It also highlighted the government’s approach to combining dynamics and non-dynamic measures (along with dialogue and economic reforms) to address the underlying causes of insecurity.
The Nigerian Government also focuses on long-term efforts to resolve conflicts related to land use. In this regard, it has established the Ministry of Livestock Development and has appointed a special consultant and coordinator for livestock reform to oversee sustainable solutions for pastoral agriculture, a move aimed at reducing land disputes between farmers and pastoralists.
The Foreign Ministry urges the international community to verify the information before making statements that could escalate tensions in Nigeria. It also calls on the media, civil society organizations and foreign partners to avoid disseminating unverified claims that could undermine the unity and stability of the country.
“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa and is committed to preserving this heritage,” the statement concluded.
The ministry reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and harmony in faith, stressing that while the government welcomes constructive dialogue and international support to address security challenges, it rejects any attempts to distort the situation, distort the narrative or sow the Nigerians.
