The Federal Government yesterday dismissed claims of systemic religious persecution in Nigeria, alleging that foreign lobbyists, particularly in the United States, are driving claims of Christian genocide in the country and influencing international perceptions of the country’s security challenges.
It also, as response to claims that it was not doing enough to fight terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country, said no fewer than 13,500 terrorists had so far been killed, with 17,000 suspects arrested.
This is even as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, wrote the US President, Donald Trump, refuting claims of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, insisting that such accusations do not reflect realities in the country.
But US senator, Ted Cruz, who had been in the forefront of campaign against Christian killings in the country, has vowed to release names of government officials involved in persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Similarly, a member of the US House of Representatives, Riley Moore, late Tuesday, slammed the Chinese government over its reaction to President Trump’s plan to take military action on Nigeria, saying China had no right to dictate America’s foreign policy.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who dismissed claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, told members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja yesterday that Nigeria remains a secular democracy where citizens of all faiths co-exist peacefully.
Tuggar, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, said: “Recent external claims suggesting systemic religious persecution in Nigeria are unfounded, inaccurate, and fail to reflect the reality of our pluralistic and tolerant society.
‘’Nigeria’s secular nature remains deeply embedded in both our Constitution and national ethos, guaranteeing freedom of religion and belief to every citizen.”
He explained that such narratives often stemmed from misinterpretation of isolated incidents, rather than any state-sanctioned discrimination.
The minister urged international observers and partners to engage constructively with verified data and credible local institutions before drawing conclusions about Nigeria’s internal affairs.
Tuggar reaffirmed that Nigeria remains an inclusive democracy where Christians and Muslims hold leadership positions across all levels, adding that religious diversity continue to strengthen the nation’s unity.
He also highlighted the roles of inter-faith bodies such as the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC; Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN; and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, in fostering dialogue and mutual respect among faith communities.
“The Nigerian state is secular in both structure and function. Policies and institutions operate without religious bias, ensuring that Christians and Muslims hold leadership positions across all levels.
‘’The recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, based on speculations of religious persecution, is fundamentally misinformed,’’ Tuggar said.
On national security, he said: “The Tinubu administration has adopted a comprehensive approach, combining military strength, intelligence, diplomacy, and community engagement.
‘’Sustained operations, such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Lake Sanity, have degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaimed vast territories and facilitated the return of millions of displaced persons.”
The minister reaffirmed that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees complete freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, assuring that the government will continue to promote inter-faith harmony and national cohesion.