Some US lawmakers had asked Marco Rubio, secretary of state,
to take decisive diplomatic action against the Nigerian government over the
“systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians”.

The federal government has repeatedly denied the claims,
saying no religious group is being targeted.

However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) insisted
that Christian communities, especially in northern Nigeria, have suffered
severe assaults, loss of lives, and destruction of places of worship.

Speaking during an interview on CNN  on Tuesday night, Idris said such claims fail
to reflect the complexity of the country’s security challenges.

The minister noted that Nigeria remains committed to
religious freedom, human rights, the rule of law, and democracy.

His remarks were contained in a statement issued on
Wednesday by Rabiu Ibrahim, his special assistant on media.

Idris said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has
renewed its efforts to tackle insecurity and ensure the safety of all citizens.

He noted that freedom of religion is guaranteed under the
Nigerian Constitution and must be respected by all.

“Some of the claims made by officials of the United States
are based on faulty data and the assumption that victims of violence are
largely Christians,” Idris said.

“Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these
criminals do not target one religion — they attack both Christians and Muslims,
especially in the northern part of the country.

The minister warned that spreading such claims unknowingly
supports criminals whose main aim is to stir religious tension and provoke
hostility between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.

‘ATTACKS NOT A RELIGIOUS WAR’

Idris said Nigeria remains a tolerant nation where people of
different faiths coexist peacefully.

He warned that framing the insecurity challenge as religious
persecution could deepen division and mistrust among citizens.

“Characterising these attacks as being against Christians
alone will drive Nigeria towards unnecessary division,” he said.

“The criminals want to portray the situation as a fight
between Christians and Muslims. It is wrong to describe Nigeria as a country
that does not tolerate religious freedom.

“It is also inaccurate to say that nowhere is safe in
Nigeria. Our country is indeed safe.”

The minister admitted that the government faces serious
security challenges, but insisted that they are being addressed with renewed
vigour.

“Yes, we have security issues in Nigeria, but the government
has made massive investments to ensure safety for everyone,” the minister said.

He said Nigeria has battled terrorism and banditry since
2009, but that in the last two years, there has been stronger commitment and
better coordination among security agencies.

“In recent years, the government has focused more attention
on improving security through better military hardware and strategy,” Idris
added.

“We are also investing in agriculture and social services to
strengthen non-kinetic approaches to peacebuilding.

“Even the recent changes in service chiefs were made to
improve our security architecture and ensure government responds effectively to
emerging threats.”