By Tanimu Hassan and Mohammed Hussain
The Nigerian Government has reiterated its commitment to ending the security challenges in the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance during a news briefing in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
This is coming on the heels of the US government, under the leadership of Donald Trump, designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, alleging Christian persecution in the country.
The Minister said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has always recognised security challenges that have beset the country since 2009, with the advent of Boko Haram.
“Let me state at the outset that the government and people of Nigeria have taken note of the imposition of the government of the United States of America on Nigeria over the alleged violations of religious freedom.
“Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike, and we mourn every loss of life, knowing that every single loss of life is one too many,” he noted.
According to the Information Minister, Nigeria’s efforts towards addressing the security challenges in the country are yielding positive results.
“President Bola Tinubu is more than determined to confront and end these security challenges. Since May of 2023, when he took office, Nigerian security agencies have neutralized more than 13,500 terrorists through sustained operations, and they have arrested over 17,000 suspects who are now undergoing interrogation and prosecution for various offenses,” he said.
He also explained that more than 9,850 terrorist elements, including women and children, have been rescued and have been reintegrated. It is important to understand that the menace of terrorism in Nigeria does not exclusively target any religious or ethnic group.
Mr. Idris noted that in many parts of the world, extremism is mindless and it is blind to religion, to class, and to any tribe.
“It is a war against all peace-loving Nigerians and against the unity and progress of the people. Therefore, any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian Sate is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on misinformation or faulty data, the Minister emphasised.
“Several leading personnel of the very dedicated armed forces and religious agencies are working and succeeding alongside their Muslim colleagues in the fight against extremists and criminals that wage war against our country and against our people,” Mr Idris said.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Mines and Steel, Dr Dele Alake, advised journalists to be objective and unbiased while reporting religious issues.
“I want to appeal to my colleagues in the media, your voice is very influential. Nigeria is not as bad as what political saboteurs are misreporting, I assure you our country will be great soon”, he urged
In his reaction, the former Commissioner of Information, Adamawa State, Northeast Nigeria, Ahmed Sajo, added that with the commitment put in place, the present administration will soon overcome all its security challenges, urging Nigerians to be patriotic to their country and avoid any statement that would disintegrate the country.
Olusola Akintonde