Nigeria denies US claims on religious persecution

The Federal Government has firmly rejected recent remarks from the United States Embassy in Abuja and testimony presented at a US Congressional hearing, defending its record on national security and religious freedom.

In a statement released Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described comments by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula—delivered during a hearing on religious persecution—as misrepresentative and an oversimplification of Nigeria’s complex security landscape.

“The claim that the Nigerian government has allowed violence to escalate unchecked is both inaccurate and unfair,” the Ministry said.

Signed by Ministry Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the release acknowledged the constitutional rights of religious leaders to express their views, but strongly rejected what it termed as an unjust portrayal of government inaction.

The statement outlined ongoing government interventions including the deployment of security forces to hotspots, peace-building between farmers and herders, intelligence-led operations, and policy reforms targeting the root causes of insecurity.

“These threats—ranging from terrorism and banditry to organized crime—cut across religious and ethnic boundaries,” the Ministry emphasized, adding that the government is committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith or background.

Addressing claims of religious targeting, the Ministry dismissed the characterization of the crisis as an “Islamist extermination” of Christians, affirming that credible reports of threats or intimidation against religious leaders would be thoroughly investigated.

The government also urged international partners, particularly the United States, to approach Nigeria’s internal challenges with nuance and sensitivity.

“We value our partnership with the United States and other allies,” the statement concluded, “but it is imperative that reporting reflects the complexity of our situation rather than deepen divisions.”