Nigeria’s Security Challenges Not Religious, AGF Tells Visiting US Delegation

Nigeria’s Security Challenges Not Religious, AGF Tells Visiting US Delegation

A visiting United States delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), at the Federal Ministry of Justice headquarters in Abuja.

Although discussions were held behind closed doors, the AGF told journalists that the meeting focused on Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, particularly issues relating to terrorism, prosecution of suspects, and the government’s overall counterterrorism efforts.

Fagbemi explained that while the Federal Government had earlier briefed US officials in Washington on the security situation, the visit provided an opportunity for “further clarifications” and for the delegation to “see things for themselves.”

According to the Minister, Nigeria’s security crisis is not religiously motivated, but rather a series of complex security challenges the government is working tirelessly to address. He noted that the ministry is particularly concerned with the prosecution of terror suspects, confirming that about 860 individuals have been convicted for terrorism-related offences in the last eight years.

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He emphasized that the government adheres strictly to due process:
“You don’t just arrest people and detain them. They are profiled. Those found innocent are released, while those with cases to answer are charged to court. Whatever decision the court makes—conviction or acquittal—we adhere to,” he said.

The AGF disclosed that the US team had also engaged with several key Nigerian institutions, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, various civil society groups, and religious leaders.

Fagbemi stressed that Nigeria’s situation is often exaggerated internationally, saying: “Things are not as heinous as people portray. We have problems, yes—but they are not problems of religion.”

The US delegation included the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Riley M. Barnes, and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.

Also present on the Nigerian side was the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba.

Nigeria’s Security Challenges Not Religious, AGF Tells Visiting US Delegation