The Federal Government has declared that any act of violence framed along religious lines will be treated as a direct attack on the Nigerian state, reaffirming its commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of faith.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, made the declaration at the end of the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group held in Abuja to address concerns over religious freedom and insecurity.
Ribadu said Nigeria’s plural nature makes the protection of Christians, Muslims and adherents of other beliefs non-negotiable, stressing that the state would not tolerate attempts to exploit religion to justify violence.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” he said, adding that violence framed along religious lines amounts to an attack on the state itself.
He explained that the government’s response to insecurity goes beyond military action, combining security operations with the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication to strengthen public confidence and social cohesion.
The meeting, held on January 22, followed the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act and led to the establishment of the Joint Working Group to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by Ribadu and included officials from several ministries and security agencies, while the United States delegation was headed by the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.
Both sides agreed to sustain engagements under the Joint Working Group, with the next meeting expected to hold in the United States at a date to be agreed through diplomatic channels.
