The Federal Government has described the recent report by United States Congressional Committees on Nigeria as a catalyst for broader cooperation between both countries, reaffirming that Nigeria does not have and has never had a state policy of religious persecution.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said while parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, the violence confronting security agencies is driven by terrorism, organised criminality and longstanding communal tensions, not government policy or religious bias. He stressed that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equal protection under the law for all citizens.
The report followed a fact-finding visit to Nigeria by a U.S. Congressional team after allegations of genocide against Christians were raised by Congressman Riley Moore last year. The delegation met with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and several governors before submitting its findings to President Donald Trump.
Reacting to the report, Idris said Nigeria remains deeply concerned about the loss of lives and destruction of property caused by criminal activities and extends sympathies to victims regardless of faith, ethnicity or region. He noted that counter-terrorism offensives have degraded the capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks and enhanced intelligence sharing among agencies.
He also highlighted intensified surveillance and clearance operations in forested areas previously exploited by criminal groups, as well as the deployment of specially trained forest guards to strengthen territorial control and community-level security presence. According to him, investment in equipment, mobility assets and technology for security agencies has been increased.
Idris said efforts are ongoing to improve humanitarian support for internally displaced persons, facilitate safe returns to affected communities and promote peacebuilding initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable coexistence. He added that Nigeria values its strategic partnership with the United States and remains open to constructive dialogue based on mutual respect and sovereignty.
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers recommended a bilateral security agreement, sanctions and visa restrictions for individuals implicated in religious persecution, and the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. Moore confirmed that the report was submitted after what he described as months of investigations, hearings and consultations with officials in the Trump administration.
