FG treats religious violence as attack on Nigeria —Ribadu

 

Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), has said the federal government considers religious violence as an attack on the country and that protecting Christians, Muslims, and adherents of all faiths is “non-negotiable.”

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the conclusion of the US-Nigeria joint working group session, Ribadu, according to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, said: “Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable. Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”

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In a separate post on his X page on Friday, Ribadu said the joint working group has achieved “tangible operational gains” in the fight against terrorism. The group was set up following the designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern (CPC) by former US President Donald Trump, a status that can trigger policy measures to address severe violations of religious freedom.

Ribadu led the Nigerian delegation, which included officials from 10 ministries and agencies, while Allison Hooker, US under-secretary of state, headed a team from eight federal agencies. He said Nigeria-US military security collaborations have moved beyond discussions to practical action, achieving effective disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal elements.

He also commended the US government for delivering drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and associated support systems procured over the past five years.

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Hooker said the meeting aimed to strengthen the partnership between the two countries on shared security interests. She noted that discussions focused on deterring violence against Christian communities and addressing issues related to counter-terrorism, insecurity, investigating attacks, and holding perpetrators accountable.

“Reducing the number of killings, forced displacements, and abductions of Christians, particularly in north-central states,” Hooker said, remains a key priority.