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FG rejects U.S religious freedom blacklist, says Nigeria not targeting Christians

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Mohammed Idris

FG rejects U.S religious freedom blacklist, says Nigeria not targeting Christians

The Federal Government has dismissed the decision by the United States to reinstate Nigeria on its list of “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom, insisting that insecurity in the country is not directed at any ethnic or religious group.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the government’s position known on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja.

“The security situation in Nigeria is not targeted at a particular ethnic or religious minority,” Idris said, describing the U.S. designation as a product of misinformation being spread by individuals with links to foreign lobbyists.

‘Misinformation Sponsored by Foreign Lobbies’

The minister alleged that some Nigerians with political or criminal motives are collaborating with lobbyists in the U.S. to misrepresent the country’s security challenges.

He cited records from the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which he said showed links between “influencers of criminal activities” in Nigeria and lobby groups abroad.

“These are people who go around spreading falsehood about religious persecution. It is not true. Nigerian security agencies protect every citizen, whether in the minority or majority,” he maintained.

Idris explained that difficulty in accessing remote communities sometimes delays security response, but the government is investing heavily in infrastructure and community policing to improve safety nationwide.

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Trump’s Threat of Military Action

The latest controversy follows former U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive to the Pentagon to prepare “fast, vicious and sweet” strikes in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.

The Nigerian government, however, said it maintains cordial relations with Washington and dismissed claims that the absence of ambassadors contributed to the U.S. stance.

‘Narrative Driven by Defeated Politicians’ – Solid Minerals Minister

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, also alleged that some politicians who lost elections are fuelling claims of “Christian genocide” abroad.

He warned that amplifying such narratives could worsen insecurity “in a way that no one can predict.”

Keyamo: Tinubu’s Record Proves Nigeria Not Anti-Christian

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also faulted Trump’s allegation, describing it as “false and unfair.”

Keyamo said he had spent over 30 years defending human rights and would never serve in a government that targeted Christians.

He noted that most of Nigeria’s current security chiefs are Christians and highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s religiously diverse family as proof of tolerance.

“Tinubu is a moderate Muslim. His wife is a pastor, and many of his children are practising Christians. He will be the last person to approve the killing of Christians,” Keyamo said.

He added that insecurity in Nigeria affects “both Muslims and Christians,” and urged the U.S. to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts rather than rely on “distorted reports.”

FG rejects U.S religious freedom blacklist, says Nigeria not targeting Christians

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Troops Rescue 119 Kidnap Victims, Eliminate Terrorists in Nationwide Crackdown – DHQ

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Troops Rescue 119 Kidnap Victims, Eliminate Terrorists in Nationwide Crackdown – DHQ

ABUJA — Nigerian troops have rescued 119 abducted civilians and neutralised several terrorists during a week-long series of military operations across the country, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced.

The operations, conducted between November 6 and November 12, reportedly dealt significant blows to insurgents, kidnappers and other criminal groups operating in different parts of the country.

The latest military breakthrough comes amid growing concerns over insecurity, particularly attacks on motorists, abductions and terrorist activities along major highways and communities.

According to updates from the military high command, troops recorded significant successes across several operational theatres, with Borno State emerging as one of the major areas where security forces disrupted terrorist activities.

In one of the operations, soldiers reportedly intercepted insurgents attempting to ambush motorists and abduct travellers along major transportation routes in the state.

The intervention prevented the planned abductions and further demonstrated the military’s efforts to secure vulnerable highways and protect commuters.

The DHQ disclosed that 119 kidnapped civilians, including women and children, were rescued during the period under review.

The military also reported the elimination of several terrorists during offensive engagements targeting criminal hideouts, operational bases and suspected supply networks.

Beyond the rescue operations and neutralisation of insurgents, troops recovered eight operational vehicles allegedly seized by terrorists, alongside assorted weapons, ammunition and other logistical equipment.

Security operations were also intensified outside the North-East, with troops and other security agencies carrying out intelligence-led raids, disrupting kidnapping attempts and confronting criminal elements in the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau and Kwara states.

Watch: Nigerian Military Operations Against Terrorists and Rescue of Kidnap Victims

For additional context on the military’s ongoing anti-terrorism campaign and rescue operations, watch the video below:

The military’s nationwide operations were aimed at dismantling criminal networks, preventing further attacks and restoring confidence among residents and travellers using vulnerable routes.

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its determination to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and other criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored across the country.

The latest operational figures represent another major effort by the Nigerian military in its ongoing campaign against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

 

Troops Rescue 119 Kidnap Victims, Eliminate Terrorists in Nationwide Crackdown – DHQ

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‎Photo News: Kwara Security Strategy Committee Submits Report to Gov AbdulRazaq

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‎Photo News: Kwara Security Strategy Committee Submits Report to Gov AbdulRazaq

 

L-R: AIG Aderemi Opadokun (Rtd); Air Commodore Asa Buhari (Rtd); Major General Abidoye Olayemi (rtd); Team Lead Kwara State Security Strategy Committee, Major General Garba Abdulwahab (rtd); Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON); Rear Admiral A.B Lawal (rtd); Col. A.A Lawal (rtd); Alhaji M.A Jimba; Director of Special Services Governor’s Office, Mrs. Folorunsho Idayat Adeola; and Permanent Secretary General Service, Alhaji Shuaib Yitta, during a visit by members of the committee to the state governor (to submit their report)  at the Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, on Wednesday.

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Rivers Police Parade Two Suspects Over Murder of Okada Rider, Theft of Motorcycle

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Rivers Police Parade Two Suspects Over Murder of Okada Rider, Theft of Motorcycle
Rivers Police Parade Two Suspects Over Murder of Okada Rider, Theft of Motorcycle

PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Police Command has paraded two young men arrested over the alleged murder of a commercial motorcycle operator, whose motorcycle they reportedly stole after luring him into a remote forest in the state.

The suspects, identified as 24-year-old Abubakar Sani and 20-year-old Yusuf Magaji, were arrested following an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Emohua.

The police said Sani allegedly confessed to participating in the killing of the victim, identified as Sani Musa, before the suspects escaped with his motorcycle.

Musa, a native of Zago Town in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area of Jigawa State, was reportedly operating as a commercial motorcycle rider in Rivers State before his death.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly lured the rider to a remote forest in Mbiama, Ahoada West Local Government Area, where they attacked and stabbed him to death.

His body was subsequently dumped in thick bushes, while the suspects allegedly fled with his motorcycle.

The police further disclosed that the suspects planned to transport the stolen motorcycle to Kano State through a waybill arrangement, allegedly hoping to evade security checks and conceal the motorcycle’s origin.

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The alleged criminal operation was uncovered at about 1pm on October 22, when police operatives received intelligence that some individuals were dismantling a suspected stolen motorcycle at Choba Motor Park.

Acting on the information, operatives of the VCRU moved to the location and arrested Sani and Magaji, who were both said to be from Kano State.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the murder and subsequently led investigators to the Mbiama forest, where the decomposing remains of the deceased were recovered.

The recovery of the body provided investigators with further evidence in the ongoing investigation into the killing.

The command said arrangements were being made to release the deceased’s remains to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, following a request by his relatives.

The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the murder, identify possible accomplices and ensure that everyone connected to the crime is brought to justice.

The police command reiterated its commitment to combating murder, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across Rivers State.

It also urged residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to help prevent criminal activities and improve public safety.

The two suspects are expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.

 

Rivers Police Parade Two Suspects Over Murder of Okada Rider, Theft of Motorcycle

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