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

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.

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.”