Abuja, April 12, 2025 – The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria expressed concern through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about a U.S. Embassy social media post.
This post specifically addressed Nigeria’s security situation, prompting a response from Nigerian officials.
This followed testimonies by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula at a U.S. Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution.
While acknowledging their constitutional right to speak, the government argued these accounts oversimplified complex security challenges.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa countered claims of governmental inaction via X (formerly Twitter), calling them “inaccurate and unfair.”
He highlighted proactive measures: security forces deployed to conflict zones, farmer-herder mediation efforts, and enhanced intelligence operations.
Additionally, land reforms and economic initiatives addressed root causes like resource disputes and unemployment.
The government stressed that persistent threats—banditry, terrorism, organized crime—affect all communities, irrespective of religion.
Authorities prioritize protecting lives and property nationwide, rejecting narratives of religiously motivated violence.
Meanwhile, security agencies conducted targeted raids, arresting criminal networks and recovering illegal weapons.
Collaborative programs with local leaders also strengthened early warning systems in vulnerable regions.
FG reaffirmed its commitment to religious freedom, vowing to investigate threats against faith leaders and prosecute offenders.
It values partnerships with the U.S. but urges caution against divisive rhetoric.
Cross-border cooperation with neighboring nations has intensified, disrupting weapon trafficking routes and improving regional stability.
Officials firmly dismissed foreign assertions of “Islamist extermination” of Christians, emphasizing interfaith collaboration in peacebuilding.
Over 90% of recent security operations occurred in religiously mixed areas, reflecting impartiality.
The Ministry also launched public awareness campaigns to counter hate speech and promote social cohesion.
Economic interventions, including microloans for farmers and vocational training for youths, reduced recruitment into criminal groups.
Infrastructure projects in conflict zones improved access to education and healthcare, fostering community trust.
These efforts underscore Nigeria’s multipronged approach to security and development.
The government called for balanced reporting, noting that 73% of terror-related arrests in 2024 involved interfaith intelligence cooperation.
It pledged continued transparency in addressing challenges while safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Through sustained dialogue and international alliances, Nigeria remains steadfast in defeating insecurity and uniting its diverse population.