FG Refutes Claims of Inaction on Insecurity, Reaffirms Religious Freedom
The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly rejected allegations of inaction in addressing insecurity across the country and reaffirmed its commitment to religious freedom, following critical statements made during a recent U.S. Congressional hearing on religious persecution in Nigeria.
In a press release issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described recent comments attributed to Catholic clerics Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula as a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s security landscape.
The clerics had testified before the U.S. Congress, raising alarm over what they described as escalating violence against Christians, which they said had gone unchecked by Nigerian authorities.
The statement was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Responding to the testimonies, the ministry said, “Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplify a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.”
The government strongly refuted the assertion that it had “allowed the violence to escalate unchecked,” calling such claims “inaccurate and unfair.”
It detailed several measures it has taken to combat insecurity and promote peace across religious and ethnic lines.
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Among the efforts highlighted were the deployment of security forces to violence-prone areas, ongoing peace-building engagements between farmers and herders, enhanced intelligence operations, and long-term strategies such as land use reforms and economic development programs aimed at addressing the root causes of violence.
“It is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent,” the statement said.
“The reality is that Nigeria is fighting multiple security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and organized crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.”
The government reiterated its unwavering commitment to upholding fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion and expression.
It also assured that any threats or intimidation against religious leaders would be thoroughly investigated, with necessary actions taken.
The statement cautioned against external narratives that could deepen religious fault lines, especially those that describe the situation as an “Islamist extermination” of Christians.
“Nigeria acknowledges the concerns raised but firmly rejects the portrayal of the situation as an ‘Islamist extermination’ of Christians by foreign governments,” it said.
“We call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarization.”
The ministry also emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s partnership with the United States and other international allies, calling for collaboration in addressing the country’s multifaceted security challenges.
