The Nigerian government has strongly rejected the United States’ decision to re-list the country among nations accused of violating religious freedom, calling the move “biased, misleading, and disconnected from Nigeria’s security realities.”

In a statement reported by Reuters, Nigerian officials said Washington’s claims were based on “faulty data and misinformation,” emphasizing that Nigeria’s challenges stem not from religious persecution but from a complex battle against terrorism and violent extremism.

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, speaking at a press conference in Abuja, said:

“Assertions that the Nigerian state deliberately ignores attacks against any religious group are entirely false. The government’s commitment is to the safety and unity of all Nigerians, regardless of faith.”

Idris also criticized the remarks made by former US President Donald Trump hinting at possible “military intervention,” calling them “irresponsible” and “ignorant of the country’s complex security dynamics.”

Chief of Defense Staff General Olufemi Oluyede stated that Nigeria’s ongoing operations target terrorist organizations, not religious communities. “Our fight is against terror, not religion,” he said.

The Presidential Office reaffirmed that Nigeria remains open to international cooperation “on the basis of mutual respect and sovereignty.”

According to official data, the administration of President Bola Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, has achieved significant progress in counterterrorism operations. More than 13,500 militants have been neutralized, 17,000 arrested, and over 11,000 civilian hostages rescued in the last two years.

Minister Idris noted that terrorism affects both Muslims and Christians equally, underscoring that the government “does not discriminate in its duty to protect all citizens.”

With a population exceeding 220 million, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and home to a diverse mix of Muslims, Christians, and adherents of indigenous beliefs. However, the country continues to grapple with deep-rooted ethnic tensions, resource conflicts, and extremist violence.(ILKHA)