The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly refuted recent reports alleging that Christians in the country are being specifically targeted for violence. The ministry expressed concern over what it described as a wave of misinformation aimed at influencing foreign governments, especially the United States, to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to supposed violence against Christians.
These claims have stirred up significant concern, with accusations that Nigeria is failing to protect its Christian population from targeted killings. However, the Nigerian government maintains that these reports are misleading and do not accurately reflect the complex nature of the country’s security challenges.
While acknowledging that Nigeria faces serious security issues, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the violence occurring in different regions of the country is not based on religious grounds. “The majority of security challenges in the northern region of Nigeria, which is predominantly Muslim, are not aimed at any specific religious group. They stem from criminality, terrorism, and social tensions, not religious persecution,” the ministry stated.
The federal government clarified that the violence being experienced across various parts of the country is part of a broader issue involving criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and intercommunal disputes, such as the long-standing farmer-herder conflicts. These clashes, which have often been painted in religious terms by some observers, are not about religion but stem from issues like competition for land, resources, and power.
According to the government, Nigeria is a nation built on the values of ethnic and religious diversity, and the state is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs. In fact, the government highlighted the importance of preserving national unity in a country where multiple ethnic groups and faiths coexist. The claim that any particular group is being targeted on the basis of religion is seen as a distortion of the true nature of the violence and instability.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed to the efforts of the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023. President Tinubu has made significant strides in addressing the country’s security concerns through various initiatives, including a stronger military presence, improved intelligence gathering, and increased community involvement in tackling insecurity. These measures have led to some progress in curbing the activities of bandits and insurgents across the country.
In addition, the Nigerian government has been focusing on resolving conflicts that have fuelled communal violence. A notable step in this direction is the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development, which aims to provide long-term solutions to the farmer-herder clashes that have ravaged parts of the country. The government has appointed a Special Adviser and Coordinator for Livestock Reforms, who is tasked with finding sustainable ways to address land disputes between farmers and pastoralists.
The government’s efforts to improve security are also supported by initiatives such as the National Livestock Plan, which aims to reduce tensions between different groups and ensure more effective use of land resources. By addressing the root causes of these conflicts, the government hopes to reduce violence and foster peaceful coexistence between communities.
However, despite these efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the spread of misleading reports from external sources. These reports, the ministry believes, could be influenced by misinformation that may only serve to inflame tensions in the country. The Ministry urged the international community to exercise caution when commenting on Nigeria’s internal matters, particularly when such comments are based on unverified information.
Nigeria has long been regarded as a beacon of religious tolerance in Africa, with its diverse population living peacefully alongside each other. The country’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and the government has taken steps to ensure that people of all faiths are able to live and worship without fear of discrimination or violence. The claims of targeted killings based on religion are therefore seen as deeply damaging to the country’s image and reputation on the international stage.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community, including foreign governments, the media, and civil society organizations, to verify information before drawing conclusions about Nigeria’s security situation. It also urged stakeholders to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.
Further statements from the government and President Tinubu’s administration have echoed this sentiment. Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, commented that the Nigerian government does not accept or authenticate reports, such as those from the U.S. Foreign Relations Committee, which claim that Nigeria is a Country of Particular Concern. According to Bwala, such reports lack essential context and ignore the complexities surrounding Nigeria’s security challenges.
Bwala reiterated that since President Tinubu took office in May 2023, the government has worked diligently to promote peace, unity, and religious tolerance. He stated that under the leadership of President Tinubu, there have been no major incidents of religious persecution, particularly against Christians. The president has continuously worked to create an environment of mutual respect and understanding among the various religious and ethnic groups in the country.
Despite these efforts, misinformation continues to spread both domestically and internationally, causing unnecessary concern. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is determined to set the record straight by providing accurate information about the country’s security situation and the measures being taken to address them. The ministry stressed that Nigeria’s challenges are rooted in complex socio-economic factors and not in religious conflicts.
In the face of these challenges, Nigeria remains committed to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The country recognizes the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties with the international community while defending its sovereignty and national interests. Nigeria welcomes constructive dialogue and support from the global community, but it rejects any attempts to misrepresent the situation or create divisions among its people.
