Federal Govt: ‘U.S. House panel’s report catalyst for more cooperation’
United States Congressional Committees report on Nigeria is a catalyst for broader cooperation between both countries, the Federal Government has said. While admitting that parts of the country continue to
- Idris reaffirms no persecution of any religion
United States Congressional Committees report on Nigeria is a catalyst for broader cooperation between both countries, the Federal Government has said.
While admitting that parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, the government maintained that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a statement yesterday explained that the violence being confronted by the country’s security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions.
He also pointed out efforts by the Tinubu Administration to contain strengthening coordinated military and law enforcement operations across affected regions.
Following allegations of genocide against Christians raised by Congressman Riley Moore last year, a U.S. Congressional team visited Nigeria on fact-finding.
The team met with Federal Officials including National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and met with some governors during their visit to the states.
Thereafter, the U.S. decided to assist Nigeria, leading to an air strike on a terrorist camp on December 24 in Sokoto State.
The final report of the fact-finding team was on Monday submitted to President Donald Trump.
Reacting to the report, the minister said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken note of recent statements and recommendations emerging from engagements within the United States Congress, contained in a joint report on Christian persecution in Nigeria submitted to the White House on Monday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, concerning security developments in Nigeria.
“Nigeria acknowledges that parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts that have tragically affected many communities. 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.
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“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.
“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.
“In response to evolving security threats, the Federal Government has significantly strengthened coordinated military and law enforcement operations across affected regions. Ongoing counter-terrorism offensives have degraded the capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks, and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal elements. Intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration have been enhanced to improve early warning and rapid response mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
“In addition, the government has intensified surveillance and clearance operations in forested areas long exploited by criminal groups. The establishment and deployment of specially trained forest guards aimed at denying terrorists and bandits safe havens, improve territorial control, and strengthen community-level security presence. These efforts are complemented by increased investment in equipment, mobility assets, and technology to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“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.
“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. We remain open to constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of Nigeria’s 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.”
U.S. lawmakers okay U.S.–Nigeria security plan, CPC status
The lawmakers, in their report, called for the establishment of a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement to protect vulnerable Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks, the withholding of certain U.S. funds pending measurable action by the Nigerian government, as well as sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals implicated in religious persecution.
Other proposals include technical assistance to address violence linked to armed Fulani militias, repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws, and coordination with international partners such as France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Riley Moore, who confirmed the submission of the report in a post on X on Monday, lauded President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a CPC and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to confronting extremist violence.
Moore revealed that members of both committees met with officials at the White House to present the outcome of what he described as a months-long investigative exercise.
According to him, the findings were based on expert witness interviews, congressional hearings, roundtables, bipartisan fact-finding missions to Nigeria, as well as consultations with officials in the Trump administration.
