The Federal Government has faulted the United States Government’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom, describing the move as a misrepresentation of the nation’s security realities.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Tinubu’s administration is firmly confronting terrorism and insecurity, stressing that extremist violence affects both Christians and Muslims indiscriminately.

Idris disclosed that since May 2023, over 13,500 terrorists and armed criminals have been neutralized, 17,000 suspects arrested, and more than 9,800 hostages rescued nationwide. He also noted the surrender of 124,000 insurgents and their families alongside the recovery of thousands of illegal weapons.

The Minister linked Nigeria’s security challenges to the volatile Sahel region, climate-related farmer-herder conflicts, and the influx of arms following Libya’s collapse. He reaffirmed that recent service chiefs’ reshuffle was aimed at strengthening coordination and accountability within the security forces.

While acknowledging ongoing threats, Idris emphasized that terrorism in Nigeria is not religiously motivated, and insisted that narratives suggesting government inaction are based on “faulty data.”

He highlighted ongoing prosecutions of high-profile terror suspects and assured that the government will continue to pursue accountability under the rule of law.

Idris urged the U.S. to engage Nigeria with a deeper understanding of its complex realities, noting that bilateral cooperation has already delivered key military assets, including Super Tucano aircraft, with more attack helicopters on the way.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to diplomatic engagement, collaboration with allies, and the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.

“President Tinubu is leading efforts to eliminate terrorism and ensure every Nigerian lives free from fear,” he said.