Tinubu Government Refutes U.S. Claims of Targeted Killings of Christians in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected claims from the United States alleging targeted killings of Christians in the country. Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar described the accusations as misleading and potentially intended to pressure foreign governments, particularly the U.S., into designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

In a statement released on Friday and signed by the acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry acknowledged the country’s security challenges but stressed that these are not rooted in religious persecution. It emphasized that criminal activities, insurgency, and banditry—especially in the largely Muslim northern region—are not directed at any religious group.

The statement underscored Nigeria’s multiethnic and multireligious identity, noting its history of peaceful coexistence among different faiths. It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender.

Responding to past concerns raised in U.S. Congress reports, which previously led to Nigeria’s CPC designation, the ministry reiterated that the security situation is complex and cannot be simplified as faith-based violence. It attributed ongoing violence to terrorism, communal clashes, and farmer-herder conflicts, which have been worsened by climate change, population growth, and land disputes—not religious targeting.

The government also outlined its current efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to tackle insecurity. These include deploying security forces to high-risk areas, enhancing intelligence operations, and improving inter-agency collaboration. It also pointed to community outreach programs designed to promote reconciliation and peacebuilding.

Recent military efforts, the statement said, have dealt significant blows to armed groups, with progress attributed to both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies—combining military action with dialogue and economic reforms aimed at addressing the root causes of violence.

As part of long-term conflict resolution, the government has created a Ministry of Livestock Development and appointed a Special Adviser and Coordinator on Livestock Reforms to mediate disputes between farmers and herders.

The ministry urged international observers to verify information before making public declarations that might inflame tensions. It called on media outlets, civil society organizations, and foreign partners to avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims that could threaten national unity and stability.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to religious freedom and interfaith harmony, the statement concluded that Nigeria remains a symbol of religious coexistence in Africa and remains committed to protecting this legacy. While welcoming support and dialogue from international partners, the government warned against any attempt to distort the country’s reality or divide its people.