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Tinubu rejects U.S. religious persecution label, defends Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom
Tinubu rejects U.S. religious persecution label, defends Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly rejected the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians, describing the classification as inaccurate and misaligned with Nigeria’s constitutional values and lived realities.
The designation, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, accuses Nigeria of failing to prevent or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom. However, Nigerian authorities have consistently dismissed such claims, arguing they oversimplify the country’s complex security challenges and misrepresent its pluralistic society.
In a statement posted on his verified X account (@officialABAT) on Saturday, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as a democracy rooted in constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu stated. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.”
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He emphasized that the U.S. designation overlooks decades of effort by successive Nigerian governments, religious institutions, and community leaders to foster peaceful coexistence among the country’s diverse religious communities.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said. “Nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.”
The President reiterated that religious harmony is a foundational principle of Nigeria’s nationhood, asserting that the state neither promotes nor condones religious persecution.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” he affirmed.
Tinubu also expressed his administration’s commitment to working with international partners, including the United States, to promote mutual understanding and protect religious rights globally.
“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” he concluded.
This marks the second time Nigeria has been placed on the CPC list in recent years, reigniting debate over the accuracy and motivations behind such designations. Nigerian officials have often described the move as politically driven and inconsistent with the realities in Africa’s most populous nation, where Christians and Muslims have coexisted for generations despite intermittent security challenges.
Tinubu rejects U.S. religious persecution label, defends Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom
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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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