The Federal Government has rejected the recent re-designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” by the United States over claims of a Christian gen0cide i Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Wednesday, November 5, at a press conference in Abuja, held in response to the US government’s designation and comments attributed to President Donald Trump thre@tening possible military intervention.
Idris said Nigeria’s security challenges, which date back to the Boko Haram insurgency of 2009, affect both Christians and Muslims alike and should not be mischaracterized as religious pers3cution.
“Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike, and we m0urn every loss of life — knowing that even a single loss of life is one too many. The menace of terr0rism in Nigeria does not exclusively target any religious or ethnic group. Extremism is mindless, blind to religion, tribe, or class. It is a w@r against all peace-loving Nigerians.”
He emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remained determined to eliminate terr0rism and restore national peace, noting that security forces have made major gains in recent months.
According to the Minister, since May 2023, security agencies have neutralised over 13,500 terrorists, arrested 17,000 suspects, and rescued more than 9,800 abducted v!ctims, including women and children. He added that more than 124,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered, handing over 11,000 we@pons to Nigerian forces.
Idris said the government has also dismantled over 20 gun-running networks and destroyed more than 5,000 military-grade rifles recovered from cr!minal groups.
On judicial accountability, Idris disclosed that 125 terr0rism suspects have so far been convicted, while hundreds of others remained under pr0secution.
He cited ongoing trials linked to major @ttacks, including the June 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church m@ssacre in Owo, Ondo State, and the June 2025 Yelwata k!llings in Benue State.
The Minister also confirmed that two high-profile Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba, were captured in a July counterterr0rism operation, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s w@r against extremist networks.
“Our security agencies are diligent and professional in handling these cases, ensuring that every suspect is held accountable in accordance with the rule of law,” he said.
Idris urged the United States and other partners to approach Nigeria’s situation with “a full understanding of its complex realities as a vast, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious nation making significant progress in reform and security.”
The Minister reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to protecting the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and citizens’ rights, assuring Nigerians that the country remains “in capable and steady hands.”
“President Tinubu is leading the charge to strengthen our military and intelligence capabilities, rebuild our economy, and uphold the unity and freedom of our people. We will continue to engage all partners diplomatically and constructively to correct this misrepresentation and build a safer, stronger Nigeria.” he said
