Follow Us on Google
By Lawrence Agbo
The federal government has responded to a joint report by two United States House Committees on alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, describing the development as an opportunity for deeper engagement and broader cooperation between both countries.
The government acknowledged the suggestions in the report that the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee submitted to the White House on Monday, according to a statement released by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation.
The federal government emphasized that the violence facing Nigeria is not a result of religious prejudice or state policy, even though it acknowledged that some regions of the nation still face significant security issues like terrorism, banditry, and intercommunal conflicts.
According to the statement, “Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution.” It also stated that complex causes, including terrorism, organized crime, and long-standing communal conflicts, are the root cause of the ongoing security challenges.
The government offered condolences to victims and their families “regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region” and voiced its profound sorrow over the deaths and property damage brought about by criminal elements.
Noting that the Constitution ensures equal protection under the law and freedom of religion and worship for all citizens, the government reaffirmed Nigeria’s fundamental commitment to religious freedom.
According to the administration, it has bolstered coordinated military and law enforcement activities in impacted areas to manage the changing security environment.
Other News
The statement declares that counterterrorism operations have disrupted kidnapping networks, severely reduced the operational capability of armed groups, and resulted in the arrest and neutralization of important criminal actors.
In order to boost early warning systems and fast reaction mechanisms, especially in vulnerable rural populations, it was also revealed that intelligence sharing and interagency coordination have been strengthened.
The authorities said that as part of updated security plans, clearance and monitoring efforts had been stepped up in wooded regions that have historically been used by criminal organizations.
In order to prevent terrorists and outlaws from finding safe havens, strengthen territory control, and increase community-level security presence, specially trained forest guards have also been deployed.
The statement also stated that the Armed Forces and other security services are receiving more funding for modern equipment, mobility assets, and technology in order to support these efforts.
The federal government emphasized continued humanitarian interventions for internally displaced people in addition to security operations. It also highlighted efforts to support peacebuilding to maintain sustainable coexistence and to make it easier for impacted communities to return safely.
The government emphasized Nigeria’s long-standing strategic cooperation with the United States and reaffirmed its willingness to engage in productive conversation based on respect for one another, shared responsibility, and acknowledgement of Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional framework.
“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 added.
