By SUNTV Global Channel | January 24, 2026
The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned that any act of violence carried out under the guise of religion will be treated as a direct assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty, as concerns mount over rising faith-based killings and insecurity across the country.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, made the declaration in Abuja at the conclusion of the inaugural session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group on Religious Freedom and Security, held on January 22.
Ribadu said Nigeria’s diverse religious makeup makes the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims and adherents of other beliefs—an absolute priority, stressing that the government will not tolerate the exploitation of religion to fuel violence, division or instability.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu stated.
“Any violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”
According to the NSA, the Tinubu administration’s response to insecurity extends beyond military action, combining law enforcement, humanitarian safeguards, intelligence coordination and strategic communication to rebuild public trust and strengthen national cohesion.
“Our response integrates security operations, the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards and strategic communication, ensuring that security gains translate into public confidence and social stability,” Ribadu added.
The high-level meeting comes amid heightened international scrutiny following the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, a decision linked to repeated attacks on vulnerable communities, particularly Christians.
The Joint Working Group was established to deepen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, with a focus on reducing religiously motivated violence, improving civilian protection, strengthening investigations and ensuring accountability for perpetrators.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by Ribadu and included senior officials from key ministries and security agencies, while the U.S. delegation was headed by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, alongside representatives from several U.S. federal institutions.
Hooker acknowledged Nigeria’s religious diversity and complex security environment, noting that sustained collaboration is essential to safeguarding civilians and upholding freedom of religion.
She said the Joint Working Group is designed to move discussions beyond diplomatic concern to concrete actions that deter violence, improve investigations and ensure justice for victims.
Ribadu, however, maintained that Nigeria’s engagement with international partners is already yielding results, citing improved inter-agency coordination and increased pressure on terrorist and criminal networks.
“We want Nigerians to know that this partnership is working, delivering tangible results, and that our collective efforts will continue to weaken those who seek to destabilise the country,” he said.
Security analysts say the government’s decision to formally classify religiously framed violence as an attack on the state reflects growing concern over how extremist and criminal groups exploit religious identity to undermine national unity.
Both Nigeria and the United States agreed to sustain engagements under the Joint Working Group, with the next session expected to hold in the United States on a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.
