The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has called for credible reporting to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges and encourage constructive dialogue over division.
Tuggar made the call on Friday in Abuja, responding to a reported social media post by the U.S. Embassy, Abuja, concerning Nigeria’s security situation.
In a statement issued by ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Tuggar expressed concern over recent remarks by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Reverend Father Remigius Ihyula.
Their testimonies during the U.S. Congressional Hearing on Religious Persecution in Nigeria reportedly highlighted threats faced following their appearance at the hearing.
Tuggar said although their views oversimplify a complex national issue, the clerics are entitled to freedom of expression and association under Nigeria’s constitution.
He added: “The claim that the Nigerian government has allowed violence to escalate unchecked is both inaccurate and unfair.”
The minister explained that the government has consistently taken action, including deploying security forces to areas impacted by communal violence.
It has also implemented peace-building initiatives between farmers and herders, improved intelligence gathering and introduced land reforms and economic development programmes.
He stressed it is wrong to suggest the government is inactive amid various threats, including banditry, terrorism and organised crime affecting diverse communities.
According to him, the government remains committed to protecting freedom of religion and expression, promising to investigate threats against religious leaders.
“Nigeria values its partnership with the U.S. and other global allies in tackling security challenges,” Tuggar noted.
He urged caution against narratives that deepen religious divides or misrepresent the country’s situation, and not encouraging support for peacebuilding efforts.
Tuggar added: “While Nigeria acknowledges concerns raised, it firmly rejects portrayals of the crisis as an ‘Islamist extermination’ of Christians.”
He reaffirmed government’s priority is protecting all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, through national and international security cooperation.
“We urge responsible reporting that captures the complexity of the situation and promotes constructive dialogue rather than polarisation,” Tuggar said.
