Nigeria Treats Religious Violence as Attack on the Country, says Ribadu

Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), says the federal government treats religious violence as an attack on the country.

The NSA said the protection of Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other faiths is non-negotiable.

According to Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, Ribadu spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the conclusion of the US-Nigeria joint working group session.

“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” the NSA was quoted as saying.

“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”

In a separate post on his X page on Friday, Ribadu said the efforts of the Nigeria-US working group have resulted in “tangible operational gains” in the war against terrorism.

The working group was established in response to the designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern (CPC) by US President Donald Trump.

A CPC designation often triggers policy options designed to bring about cessation of the particularly severe violations of religious freedom

During the meeting, Ribadu led the Nigerian delegation comprising 10 ministries and agencies, while Allison Hooker, under-secretary of state, headed the US team of eight federal agencies.

Ribadu said Nigeria-US military security engagements have moved beyond words to action, adding that effective disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal elements has been achieved.

He commended the US government for the delivery of drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and associated support systems procured over the past five years.

‘WORKING TOGETHER TO DETER VIOLENCE AGAINST CHRISTIANS’

Hooker said the US delegation attended the meeting to broaden the partnership with Nigeria on shared interests.

The under-secretary said issues on how to deter violence against Christian communities will be discussed during the meeting.

“Today, we are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities, prioritising counter-terrorism, insecurity, investigating attacks and holding perpetrators accountable,” she said.

“Reducing the number of killings, forced displacements, and abductions of Christians, particularly north-central states.”

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