AGAIN, the Federal Government on Wednesday rejected the United States Government’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom, insisting that the classification was based on “misinformation and faulty data.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, addressed a crowded press briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja, saying the US stance undermines the enormous progress made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in combating terrorism and securing communities across the country.
Idris also dismissed the growing rhetoric of military intervention against Nigeria by US President Donald Trump, noting that such threats stem from “wrong perceptions and misrepresentation” of the country’s security realities.
The minister emphasized that Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis which escalated in 2009 with the emergence of Boko Haram has inflicted suffering on Christians and Muslims alike.
Extremism is blind to religion, tribe, or class. It is a war against all peace-loving Nigerians,” Idris said.
He stressed that many top officers in the Armed Forces and intelligence community are Christians, working shoulder-to-shoulder with Muslim colleagues in major offensives against insurgency.
Idris rolled out key statistics highlighting progress since May 2023 when Tinubu assumed office:
|
Security Progress Indicators |
Result 
|
|
Terrorists neutralized |
Over 13,500 |
|
Suspected fighters arrested 
|
17,000+ |
|
Kidnap victims rescued |
9,800+ |
|
Insurgents & families surrendered |
124,000+ |
|
Weapons recovered |
11,000+ |
|
Military-grade rifles destroyed |
5,000+ |
|
Terror leaders killed |
Kachala, Boderi, Sububu & others |
He added that:
592 terrorists were killed in the past eight months in Borno
Terror attacks have dropped to their lowest levels in over a decade citing Global Terrorism Index
Recent operations in the North-West prevented major attacks, including an interception in Zamfara where over 400 armed bandits were neutralized in a single strike.
The government called for a deeper international understanding of the complex drivers of insecurity:
Fallout from Libya’s collapse and illegal weapons flow into the Sahel
Climate-change-driven farmer-herder clashes in the North-Central
Cross-border terrorism networks
The minister said these factors demand more regional and global cooperation not accusations.
High-Profile Arrests and Prosecution Underway
Idris listed multiple insurgent leaders and suspects now facing trial:
Mahmud Muhammad Usman (ANSARU “Emir”)
Abubakar Abba (Deputy leader)
Khalid Al-Barnawi (Mastermind of 2011 UN Abuja bombing)
Suspects behind St. Francis Owo Catholic Church attack
26 suspects charged over the Yelwata massacre in Benue
So far, 125 convictions have been secured, with hundreds more undergoing legal processes.
Idris affirmed that Nigeria’s relationship with the United States remains crucial citing ongoing defence cooperation, including:
Acquisition of 12 Super Tucano aircraft
Procurement of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters
Constructive engagement is the surest path to peace and stability,” he stated, calling on Washington to adopt a “more informed perspective.”
The minister reassured Nigerians that the Constitution fully protects freedom of worship, adding: Nigeria is in capable and steady hands with President Tinubu leading the charge to strengthen our security and economy.”
He concluded with a pledge that the government will “remove the last vestiges of terrorism” through decisive action backed by rule of law.