In response to a recent U.S. Congress report alleging Christian persecution in Nigeria, the Nigerian government has issued a statement asserting that there is no official policy endorsing religious violence or discrimination against any religious group. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that Nigeria's myriad security challenges stem from complex threats including terrorism and organized crime, rather than any government-sanctioned religious bias.

The Nigerian government asserts that the violence currently faced by security forces is not a result of religious discrimination but is instead attributed to long-standing communal disputes and an array of security issues. The statement serves to clarify Nigeria's stance on this sensitive issue, attempting to separate international perceptions of religious intolerance from the reality of its security environment.

This official response is significant for diplomatic relations, particularly with Western nations concerned about human rights and religious freedoms. The Nigerian government’s denial highlights the complexities of its security landscape and seeks to reassure both domestic and international observers that it does not endorse religious persecution, which could have implications for foreign aid and support in addressing Nigeria's security situation.