FG Refutes US Embassy Remarks On Nigeria Security, Reaffirms Commitment To Religious Freedom

FG Refutes US Embassy Remarks On Nigeria Security, Reaffirms Commitment To Religious Freedom

The Federal Government has dismissed recent claims made in a social media post by the United States Embassy in Abuja concerning Nigeria’s security landscape and the testimonies of religious leaders at a U.S. Congressional hearing, stating that the assertions are misleading and fail to reflect the country’s realities and ongoing efforts.

In an official statement released on Friday and signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed concern over the embassy’s publication, particularly references to remarks made by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula regarding alleged threats stemming from their testimonies at the U.S. Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria…READ MORE….

The Ministry acknowledged the rights of the religious leaders to express their views, noting, however, that their submissions oversimplify a multifaceted and deeply rooted national issue. It emphasized that their opinions, while constitutionally protected under Nigeria’s guarantees of freedom of expression and association, do not accurately portray the government’s efforts.

Describing the US Embassy’s characterization of the situation—particularly the claim that the Nigerian government has failed to curb escalating violence—as both “inaccurate and unjust,” the Ministry reaffirmed that the administration has taken concrete actions to address security concerns.

These efforts include the deployment of security personnel to violence-prone areas, promotion of peacebuilding between herders and farmers, enhanced intelligence-gathering to track criminal networks, and long-term strategies such as land use reforms and economic development programs aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.

The statement clarified that while Nigeria continues to face significant security challenges—ranging from terrorism and banditry to organized crime—these issues impact communities across religious and ethnic lines, making it incorrect to suggest government indifference or selective protection.

It reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights to religious freedom and expression, and assured that any credible reports of threats or intimidation against religious leaders would be thoroughly investigated with appropriate actions taken.

In rejecting the narrative of a targeted campaign against Christians or framing the crisis as an “Islamist extermination,” the Federal Government stressed its resolve to protect all citizens equally, regardless of faith or ethnicity, while fostering local and global partnerships to combat insecurity.

The statement concluded with a call for responsible and balanced reporting that reflects the complex nature of Nigeria’s security challenges and encourages constructive dialogue over divisive rhetoric.