Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has declared that any violence motivated or framed along religious lines will be treated as a direct assault on the Nigerian state itself, emphasizing that safeguarding every citizen regardless of faith is a fundamental and non-negotiable priority.
The statement came at the close of the inaugural session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group, held in Abuja on January 22, 2026.
The meeting addressed ongoing concerns about religious freedom, civilian protection, and broader insecurity, following the United States' designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act.
"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 outlined a comprehensive government approach that extends beyond military operations to include the rule of law, humanitarian measures, and strategic communication.
These elements, he explained, aim to build public trust, foster social cohesion, and ensure that security gains lead to lasting stability.
The Joint Working Group serves as a platform for practical bilateral cooperation to curb violence against vulnerable groups, particularly Christian communities boosts accountability through stronger investigations and prosecutions, and enhance overall civilian safety amid persistent threats from terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes.
Ribadu led Nigeria's delegation, which included senior officials from various ministries, security agencies, and other institutions.
The U.S. delegation was headed by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, joined by representatives from multiple American federal agencies.
Hooker acknowledged Nigeria's diverse society and the intricate nature of its security challenges, underscoring the importance of ongoing collaboration to safeguard civilians and uphold religious freedom.
She described the Working Group as a mechanism to shift from mere expressions of concern to concrete measures that deter attacks, improve probes into incidents, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Ribadu highlighted tangible progress from Nigeria's partnerships with the United States and other allies, including better coordination among security forces and mounting pressure on terrorist and criminal networks.
"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 results," he added.
Analysts interpret the government's stance treating religiously motivated violence as an existential threat to the state as a response to efforts by extremists and criminal elements to exploit faith-based divisions for destabilization and to erode national unity.
Both sides committed to continued dialogue through the Joint Working Group, with the next session scheduled to take place in the United States at a date to be finalized via diplomatic channels.
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