By Omeiza Ajayi
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said on Wednesday that the Federal Government is in active, high-level engagement with the United States to address concerns arising from Washington’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian genocide.
Idris spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he dismissed the genocide narrative as inaccurate and harmful, insisting that the nation’s security challenges are rooted in a complex mix of factors rather than a coordinated campaign against any religion.
Idris explained that President Bola Tinubu is “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives across various communities, stressing that the administration considers the protection of citizens its highest duty.
He said the government acknowledges that killings occur in some parts of the country but rejects any suggestion that they amount to a state-backed or systematic attempt to annihilate Christians.According to the minister, the claim fails to reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity, pointing to the composition of President Tinubu’s administration.
He noted that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is a pastor; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, is a Christian; as are the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the DSS. “I don’t see how anybody will give orders to go and kill Christians. Who gives these orders? Who carries them out?” Idris asked.
He said the government has long faced extremist violence rooted in a 16-year insurgency, where jihadist groups have targeted Muslims and Christians alike, attacking mosques, churches and entire communities.
While acknowledging recent spikes in violence in Benue, Plateau and some middle-belt areas, Idris attributed the situation to a combination of religious tension, economic pressures, communal disputes, and ordinary criminality.
The minister insisted that security agencies have recorded significant progress, stating that between May 2023 and now, over 13,500 terrorists and bandits have been neutralized while more than 17,000 others have been arrested.
Several masterminds of past attacks, including internationally wanted Ansaru commanders, have also been apprehended and convicted, he said.
On claims that the government is doing little to stem the violence, Idris pointed to Tinubu’s recent overhaul of the security architecture, including the removal of service chiefs and the recalibration of strategy.
He also questioned the timing of the recent surge in attacks, describing it as “curious” that criminals intensified operations just as the U.S. designation was announced and Nigerian officials were arriving in Washington for talks.
Idris confirmed that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is currently leading a government delegation in Washington, engaging U.S. officials on both security and diplomatic fronts.
He said channels of communication between the two countries remain robust and that diplomatic relations have not broken down. “We are open to cooperation and partnership with the Americans or anyone who wants to help bring this crisis to an end,” he said.
He, however, stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation and cannot accept foreign troops or unilateral military actions on its soil. “Which country does that – just come and drop bombs and go? This is a sovereign country of over 200 million people,” he said, urging Nigerians to guard the nation’s unity and resist narratives capable of deepening divisions.
Idris added that President Tinubu is open to a White House visit when the “timing and circumstances are right,” insisting that both countries continue to engage constructively despite the current concerns.
The post Genocide: Nigeria engaging US at highest level — FG appeared first on Vanguard News.
