The Federal Government has pushed back against a recent social media post by the United States Embassy in Abuja and testimonies given by Nigerian religious leaders at a U.S. Congressional hearing, describing the remarks as inaccurate and misrepresentative of Nigeria’s security efforts.
In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs observes with concerns a recent social media publication by the United States Embassy, Abuja, regarding the security situation in Nigeria and the testimonies provided by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, on the unfortunate alleged threats that have arisen as a result of their testimonies at the U.S. Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria.”
The Ministry acknowledged the clergymen’s rights to express their views but maintained that their remarks painted a distorted picture of Nigeria’s challenges.
“Though their testimonies misrepresent facts and oversimplification of a deeply complex national challenge, the religious leaders are entitled to their opinions, freedom of expression, and association as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution,” the statement read.
Reacting to the assertion that the Nigerian government has “allowed the violence to escalate unchecked,” the Ministry called the claim “both inaccurate and unfair.”
The government outlined various measures it has implemented to tackle insecurity:
“The government has consistently taken decisive actions, including deploying security forces to areas affected by communal violence, engaging in peace-building efforts between farmers and herders, strengthening intelligence operations to track down criminal elements, and implementing policies to address root causes, including land use reforms and economic development initiatives.”
Addressing broader concerns, the Ministry stated, “It is important to state that, while challenges remain, it is incorrect to suggest that the Nigerian government has been inactive or indifferent. The reality is that Nigeria is fighting multiple security threats, including banditry, terrorism, and organized crime, all of which affect different communities irrespective of religion.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to human rights, the Ministry said the country remains committed to protecting “freedom of religion and freedom of expression, among other freedoms,” and assured that “any reports of threats or intimidation against religious leaders will be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken.”
The government also firmly rejected the narrative that Christian communities are being deliberately targeted.
“The portrayal of the crisis as an ‘Islamist extermination’ of Christians” was dismissed as inaccurate. The statement emphasized that “Government will continue to prioritize the protection of the lives and property of its citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity while strengthening national and international cooperation in the fight against insecurity.”
The Ministry concluded by urging for more balanced narratives:
“We call for responsible reporting that reflects the full complexity of the challenges at hand and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarisation.”
