The Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu has declared that any violence carried out under religious pretexts will be regarded as a direct assault on the Nigerian state, as the administration confronts rising concerns over faith-related killings and widespread insecurity nationwide.
The declaration was made by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, at the conclusion of the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group on Religious Freedom and Security, which took place in Abuja.
Ribadu said Nigeria’s plural character makes the protection of every citizen, Christians, Muslims and followers of other beliefs, “non-negotiable,” stressing that the government will not allow religion to be exploited as a tool for violence.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said.
“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”
He explained that the government’s strategy for addressing insecurity extends beyond the use of force, combining security operations with adherence to the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards and effective communication to build public trust and national unity.
“Our response integrates security operations, rule of law, humanitarian safeguards, and strategic communication, ensuring that operational successes translate into public confidence and strengthened social cohesion,” he added.
The meeting, which held on January 22, followed the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, a decision that has drawn global attention to attacks on vulnerable communities, especially Christians.
The Joint Working Group was created to strengthen bilateral cooperation focused on curbing religiously motivated violence, improving accountability for attacks and enhancing the protection of civilians.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by Ribadu and comprised officials from various ministries and security agencies, while the U.S. team was headed by the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, alongside representatives from several U.S. federal agencies.
Hooker said the United States acknowledges Nigeria’s diversity and the complexity of its security challenges, adding that sustained collaboration remains essential to protecting civilians and safeguarding freedom of religion.
She noted that the Working Group offers a platform to move beyond expressions of concern toward concrete actions that deter violence, strengthen investigations and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
Ribadu, however, maintained that Nigeria’s engagement with international partners, including the United States, is already yielding results, pointing to improved coordination among security agencies and increased pressure on terrorist and criminal groups.
“We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working, that it is delivering tangible gains, and that our collective efforts will continue to yield positive gains,” he said.
Security analysts say the government’s decision to frame religious violence as an attack on the state reflects growing concern over how extremist and criminal groups exploit religious identity to fuel division and weaken national unity.
Both nations agreed to sustain engagements under the Joint Working Group, with the next meeting expected to take place in the United States on a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.
