By Mercy Peter
The Federal Government has described a recent report by United States congressional committees on security developments in Nigeria as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation between both countries.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said the government had taken note of the joint report on Christian persecution in Nigeria submitted to the White House by the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee and the United States House Appropriations Committee.
The report, which followed engagements within the United States Congress, contained statements and recommendations regarding Nigeria’s security situation.
Responding to the development, the Federal Government acknowledged that parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts, which have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
The government extended its sympathies to victims and their families across affected communities, stressing that the violence has impacted Nigerians irrespective of faith, ethnicity or region.
However, Abuja firmly rejected suggestions that Nigeria has, or has ever had, a state policy of religious persecution. According to the statement, the violence being confronted by security agencies is not driven by religious bias or government policy but by complex threats such as terrorism, organised criminality and longstanding communal tensions.
The government reiterated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens, adding that it remains firmly committed to upholding these protections and ensuring equal treatment under the law.
Detailing steps taken to address insecurity, the Federal Government said it has significantly strengthened coordinated military and law enforcement operations across affected regions. Ongoing counter-terrorism offensives, it noted, have degraded the operational capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal elements.
The statement further explained that intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration have been enhanced to improve early warning systems and rapid response, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
It added that surveillance and clearance operations in forested areas frequently used as hideouts by criminal groups have been intensified.
The deployment of specially trained forest guards, the government said, is aimed at denying terrorists and bandits safe havens, improving territorial control and strengthening security presence at the community level. These measures are being complemented by increased investment in equipment, mobility assets and technology for the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Beyond military efforts, the Federal Government disclosed that humanitarian interventions for internally displaced persons are being strengthened, while efforts are underway to facilitate the safe return of affected communities.
Community-based peacebuilding initiatives are also being promoted to encourage dialogue and sustainable coexistence.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s diplomatic posture, the government said it values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States, noting that both countries share mutual interests in promoting security, economic development and regional stability.
It expressed openness to constructive dialogue and cooperation anchored on mutual respect, shared responsibility and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.
“The Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels while remaining focused on its primary duty the protection of all Nigerians,” the statement read.
