FG Rejects US Redesignation As ‘Country Of Concern’

The Nigerian Federal Government has dismissed the latest classification of the nation as a “country of particular concern” issued by the United States government concerning allegations of a Christian gen0cide i Nigeria.

The Minister responsible for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this position on Wednesday, November 5, during a media briefing in Abuja, which was convened specifically to address the American government’s labeling along with remarks credited to President Donald Trump thre@tening potential armed involvement.

Idris stated that Nigeria’s ongoing security difficulties, originating from the Boko Haram uprising that began in 2009, impact individuals from both Christian and Muslim communities equally and ought not to be wrongly portrayed as targeted religious pers3cution.

“Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike, and we m0urn every loss of life — knowing that even a single loss of life is one too many. The menace of terr0rism in Nigeria does not exclusively target any religious or ethnic group. Extremism is mindless, blind to religion, tribe, or class. It is a w@r against all peace-loving Nigerians.”

He stressed that the government under President Bola Tinubu continues to be resolute in its efforts to eradicate terr0rism entirely and reestablish harmony across the country, while pointing out that the nation’s defense and law enforcement units have achieved substantial advancements over the past several months.

As per the Minister’s account, beginning from May 2023, the country’s security outfits have eliminated more than 13,500 terrorists, taken into custody 17,000 individuals suspected of crimes, and liberated over 9,800 people who had been kidnapped, encompassing females and young ones. He further mentioned that upwards of 124,000 militants along with their relatives have turned themselves in, delivering 11,000 we@pons into the possession of Nigerian military personnel.

Idris indicated that the authorities have likewise taken apart more than 20 operations involved in the illegal trafficking of firearms and have demolished over 5,000 high-caliber firearms suitable for combat that were seized from organized cr!minal elements.

Regarding matters of legal responsibility and justice, Idris revealed that a total of 125 individuals accused of terr0rism activities have been found guilty up to this point, whereas several hundred additional cases are still actively being pr0secuted through the courts.

He referenced current legal proceedings connected to prominent @ttacks, such as the one that occurred in June 2022 at the St. Francis Catholic Church m@ssacre in Owo, located in Ondo State, as well as the June 2025 Yelwata k!llings in Benue State.

The Minister additionally verified that a pair of prominent figures from the Ansaru organization, namely Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba, were apprehended during a counterterr0rism action carried out in July, representing a crucial achievement in Nigeria’s w@r against networks promoting extremism.

“Our security agencies are diligent and professional in handling these cases, ensuring that every suspect is held accountable in accordance with the rule of law,” he said.

Idris called upon the United States along with various international allies to evaluate Nigeria’s circumstances through “a full understanding of its complex realities as a vast, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious nation making significant progress in reform and security.”

The Minister restated President Tinubu’s dedication to safeguarding the fundamental constitutional protections for religious liberty and the broader rights of all citizens, while providing reassurance to the people of Nigeria that the nation is securely “in capable and steady hands.”

“President Tinubu is leading the charge to strengthen our military and intelligence capabilities, rebuild our economy, and uphold the unity and freedom of our people. We will continue to engage all partners diplomatically and constructively to correct this misrepresentation and build a safer, stronger Nigeria.” he said

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli