By Chidimma Okwara
NIGERIA- Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, recently led a high-powered government delegation to Washington, D.C., primarily to counter and clarify accusations of genocide and systematic religious persecution in Nigeria, particularly against Christians.
The visit was part of a robust diplomatic effort by the Nigerian government to engage key U.S. lawmakers, officials, and institutions regarding the country’s complex security situation and to foster greater cooperation.
The delegation consisted of Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; and Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence.
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Others are Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to ONSA; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA; Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting CDA, Embassy of Nigeria; and Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria.
US Congressman Riley Moore announced his meeting with the Nigerian delegation on social media, disclosing that he had a frank discussion with them.
The Nigerian government’s delegation was prompted by persistent international reports and claims, particularly from some U.S. political and media figures, alleging that a “Christian genocide” is taking place in Nigeria.
These claims often cite violence perpetrated by terror groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as the long-running deadly conflicts between herders and farmers in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
Figures like American comedian Bill Maher have used their platforms to simplify the conflict as a religious war aimed at eradicating Christians, a narrative the Nigerian government and many experts have strongly rejected as misinformation and propaganda.
Ribadu and the Nigerian delegation aimed to present a more nuanced and accurate picture of the security challenges:
The Nigerian government argues that the violence is rooted in complex factors, including terrorism, organized crime, and long-standing communal disputes over resources like land and water, particularly in the Middle Belt. They stress that both Christian and Muslim communities have suffered tragic losses.
Officials shared their government’s challenges and provided updates on tangible steps being taken to combat terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and militant groups. They emphasized a significant decrease in terrorism-related deaths since the current administration took office.
The delegation sought to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States on counterterrorism and security assistance, calling for greater coordination to end the bloodshed and protect all vulnerable communities.
During the visit, the Nigerian officials engaged with several key U.S. stakeholders. Ribadu met with U.S. Representatives, including Congressman Riley M. Moore, to discuss the ongoing persecution of Christians and opportunities for strengthened cooperation.
“Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria.
“I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
“We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against their population, specifically Christians in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria, said Riley Moore.
The visit was designed to ensure that the U.S. understands that Nigeria’s conflicts are grim and complex, centering on terrorism, crime, and communal disputes, and are not driven by a state-sanctioned policy to eliminate any specific religious group. The government is committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is targeted by the state because of their faith.
The visit underscores the critical need for Nigeria to proactively engage the international community to correct misrepresentations that could negatively impact its diplomatic standing and access to global support.
