By Our Reporters, | KatsinaTimes
Abuja, Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The Federal Government has faulted the designation of Nigeria by the United States as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom, describing the move as a misrepresentation of the nation’s complex security realities.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing a press conference in reaction to the US government’s decision and recent remarks by President Donald Trump on possible military intervention.
Idris said Nigeria is fully aware of the anxiety caused by the designation but maintained that the country’s security challenges are not religiously motivated.
“Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike, and we mourn every loss of life—knowing that even a single loss of life is one too many,” he said.
The minister emphasized that terrorism in Nigeria does not target any particular religion or ethnic group, describing it as “a war against all peace-loving Nigerians.”
He noted that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the security agencies have intensified operations against insurgents and other criminal elements, neutralizing over 13,500 terrorists and arresting more than 17,000 suspects.
According to him, over 9,800 abducted victims—mostly women and children—have been rescued, while thousands of insurgents and their families have surrendered to Nigerian forces.
He also revealed that two high-profile Ansaru terrorist leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba, were captured in July during an intelligence-led counterterrorism operation, while several other suspects are being prosecuted for attacks across the country.
Idris said Nigeria’s military operations have led to an 80 percent reduction in terror attacks in the South-East, and the neutralization of key terror leaders such as Ali Kachala, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu in the North-West.
The minister cited a report by the Global Terrorism Index indicating that terrorist attacks in Nigeria have dropped to their lowest level in more than a decade.
On regional security, Idris attributed part of the crisis to instability in the Sahel and the aftermath of Libya’s collapse, which he said flooded the region with arms and extremists. He added that President Tinubu’s recent overhaul of the nation’s security architecture was aimed at reinvigorating military operations and intelligence coordination.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with the United States and other partners in the global fight against terrorism, highlighting past collaborations such as the acquisition of Super Tucano aircraft and ongoing arrangements to procure AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.
“We call on our American friends to approach the Nigerian situation with an understanding of its complex realities — a vast, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious nation making significant progress in economic reform and security,” Idris said.
He assured Nigerians that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to protecting citizens’ freedoms and strengthening the country’s defence capability.
“Nigeria is in capable and steady hands under President Tinubu, who is leading efforts to boost our economy, secure our nation, and promote shared prosperity,” he added.
Idris concluded that the government is engaging diplomatic channels to clarify the country’s security realities and will continue to seek constructive engagement and partnership with the US and other friendly nations.
End.
