FG Vows Zero Tolerance for Religious Violence

The Federal Government has reiterated that religious violence in Nigeria is treated as an attack on the nation itself.

National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja at the conclusion of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group session on security.

“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other faiths—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said. “Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”

Ribadu, who led the Nigerian delegation of officials from ten ministries and agencies, added that engagements with the US have produced “tangible operational gains” in the fight against terrorism. He commended the US for providing drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and related support systems over the past five years.

The working group was set up following the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by former US President Donald Trump, a label aimed at addressing severe violations of religious freedom.

The US delegation was headed by Allison Hooker, Under-Secretary of State, who said the meeting focused on strengthening the partnership to curb violence against Christian communities.

“Today, we are discussing ways to deter attacks on Christian communities, prioritising counter-terrorism efforts, improving security, investigating assaults, and holding perpetrators accountable,” Hooker said. “Our goal is to reduce killings, forced displacements, and abductions of Christians, particularly in the north-central states.”

Ribadu noted that Nigeria-US military and security collaboration has moved “beyond words to action,” resulting in the disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal activities.