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Tag: CPC Designation

  • Presidency defends counter-terrorism record amid US genocide allegation, CPC designation

    Presidency defends counter-terrorism record amid US genocide allegation, CPC designation

    The Presidency on Sunday issued an abridged update on Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations, detailing arrests, convictions and significant declines in terror-related deaths since 2023. 

    The update, posted on its verified X handle, @NGRPresident, came against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic tension following allegations by United States President Donald Trump alleging a genocide against Christians in Nigeria and designating the country a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). 

    Washington has also threatened sanctions and hinted at possible military action.

    The Federal Government has repeatedly rejected the allegation, insisting the country faces a complex, decade-long security challenge driven by terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, not religious persecution. 

    The government maintains that the security crisis has claimed lives across all faiths and regions and continues to appeal to global partners, including the U.S., for support in its ongoing operations aimed at defeating the debilitating challenge.

    In the update, the Presidency reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance that “the security of Nigeria is non-negotiable,” stressing that enhanced inter-agency cooperation has led to stringent action against terrorists and insurgents since 2023. 

    According to the figures released, security agencies have “vigorously pursued, arrested, eliminated or successfully convicted” extremists linked to some of the country’s deadliest attacks.

    The update disclosed that since 2024, over 124 terrorists and insurgents have been convicted by Nigerian courts, while several high-profile suspects, including leaders of Ansaru, those implicated in the 2022 Owo Church massacre, and those involved in the Yelwata reprisal killings in Benue, are currently undergoing trial.

    The government highlighted a suite of counterterrorism measures, including strengthened joint security task forces, enhanced border patrols with regional allies, permanent joint operations in vulnerable corridors, increased compensation for victims of attacks, and deeper intelligence collaboration with international partners.

    Citing measurable results, the Presidency reported that as of 2025, terror-related deaths in Nigeria have declined by 81% compared with 2015, attributing the improvement to intensified counter-insurgency operations and stronger engagement with affected communities. 

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    It also revealed that over 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year alone, while more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents surrendered to authorities.

    The post added that more than 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their communities, with many areas experiencing reconstruction and renewed stability. 

    Additionally, the Federal Government has instituted a Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict to facilitate rehabilitation, rebuild destroyed settlements, and support reintegration efforts.

    Despite these gains, the federal government continues to call for international partnership, insisting that global support remains crucial in dismantling terror networks operating across borders.

  • CPC Designation: Nigeria will emerge stronger amid US pressure — Fed Govt

    CPC Designation: Nigeria will emerge stronger amid US pressure — Fed Govt

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday assured Nigerians the country will emerge stronger from the recent diplomatic tensions with the United States, following Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

    Speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Idris said the President remains calm and is taking the matter “very seriously,” noting that all responsible institutions of government are currently examining the situation “with the depth that it requires.”

    He stressed that Nigeria is a tolerant, multi-faith nation and that the administration is determined to ensure the international community understands the country’s true position. 

    “This is not the time for division or rhetoric; it is a time for nation-building and unity. We will come out of this very strongly,” the Minister said.

    Idris disclosed that the President has intensified engagements with religious leaders, regional blocs, and international partners to counter “false narratives” being promoted by extremist elements. 

    He affirmed that the government is pursuing a multi-pronged approach, including ongoing dialogues with faith leaders whom he described as “important stakeholders in the Nigerian project.”

    “Nowhere has there been any decision to favour one religion over the other or inflict violence on any faith. Our constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and Mr President will continue to uphold that”, Idris stated.

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    He also pointed to recent security reforms, including the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, decisions, he noted, taken even before Washington’s concerns were raised, as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening national security.

    “As a government, we don’t want to overheat the discussion,” Idris added, “but work is ongoing, and we have opened channels of communication to ensure the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing and intends to do to keep this country safe for all.”

    The Minister reiterated that extremists seek to divide the country and urged citizens to “look deeper” and resist attempts to exploit the situation. 

    “This is not who we are as a country. Nigeria remains a united, tolerant nation and the President is committed to safeguarding that,” he said.