Federal Government of Nigeria has described a recent report by the United States Congress on security and religious freedom in Nigeria as an opportunity to deepen cooperation between both countries.
In a statement issued on Monday, the government said it had taken note of recommendations contained in a joint report submitted to the White House by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, following engagements on Christian persecution and security developments in Nigeria.
According to the statement, Nigeria acknowledged that several parts of the country are still grappling with serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts.
“The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from these criminal acts, and we extend our sympathies to all victims and their families, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region,” the statement said.
The government stressed that Nigeria has never adopted any policy that promotes religious persecution, insisting that ongoing violence is not driven by religious bias.
“It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution. The violence being confronted by our security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions,” it noted.
It further reaffirmed that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship to all citizens, adding that the government remains committed to protecting these rights.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of worship for all citizens. The Federal Government remains firmly committed to upholding these constitutional protections and to ensuring equal protection under the law,” the statement added.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, the Federal Government said it had intensified coordinated military and law enforcement operations across affected regions.
“In response to evolving security threats, the Federal Government has significantly strengthened coordinated military and law enforcement operations across affected regions,” it stated.
The government said counter-terrorism offensives had weakened armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks, and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal elements.
It also disclosed that intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration had been improved to boost early warning and rapid response, especially in vulnerable rural communities.
On forest security, the statement revealed that surveillance and clearance operations had been expanded.
“The establishment and deployment of specially trained forest guards aim at deny terrorists and bandits safe havens, improve territorial control, and strengthen community-level security presence,” it said.
These measures, according to the government, are being supported by increased investment in equipment, mobility assets and modern technology for the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The Federal Government said it was also prioritising humanitarian interventions for internally displaced persons and promoting peacebuilding initiatives.
“Efforts are also ongoing to improve humanitarian response for internally displaced persons, facilitate the safe return of affected communities, and promote community-based peacebuilding initiatives that foster sustainable coexistence,” the statement read.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation, the government described its relationship with the United States as strategic and longstanding.
“Nigeria values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States. Our two countries share common interests in promoting security, economic development, and regional stability,” it stated.
It added that Nigeria remains open to constructive dialogue based on mutual respect, shared responsibility and recognition of its constitutional framework and sovereignty.
“The Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels while remaining focused on its primary duty, the protection of all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.