The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s current security challenges are not rooted in religion, stressing that the country remains committed to combating terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated this on Tuesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with a United States Congressman and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.
The meeting comes weeks after former US President Donald Trump labelled Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” alleging widespread killings of Christians. Responding to the claim, Fagbemi said the visit provided an opportunity for Nigeria to present the true picture of its security situation.
He explained that while Nigeria undeniably faces serious security challenges, they are not driven by religious motives.
“We have challenges in Nigeria, but they are not religious. We have security challenges, and the government is doing everything possible to address them,” he said.
Fagbemi emphasised that the Ministry of Justice handles terrorism-related prosecutions strictly through due process. He revealed that between 2017 and 2025, Nigeria secured 860 convictions and recorded 891 acquittals in terrorism cases, showing that the government does not indiscriminately detain suspects.
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“We don’t just arrest people and throw them in prison. Those without a case are released. Those with credible allegations are taken to court, and the courts decide,” he noted.
The AGF added that the US lawmaker had also met with key Nigerian security agencies, civil society groups, and religious leaders to gain a broader understanding of the issues.
He urged Nigerians and the international community to avoid exaggerating the situation, insisting that despite the challenges, the country is “not as bad as some portray it.”
“We have problems, yes—but not religious problems,” he concluded.
