Nigeria vows to protect all religions after US report
Deutsche Welle
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting individuals of all religious faiths following a recent US report that labeled the country as the "deadliest place in the world" for Christians. The Nigerian government dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that the violence faced by citizens is not state-sanctioned but stems from broader security challenges, including terrorism and communal conflicts.
The US lawmakers' report highlighted severe persecution of Christians, citing violent attacks by armed groups, destruction of religious sites, and the misuse of blasphemy laws targeting minorities. It recommended measures like a US-Nigeria security agreement, withholding funds, and repealing sharia laws. However, Nigeria's Information Minister denied any policy of religious persecution, attributing violence to terrorism and organized crime rather than government action.
Nigeria has taken steps to address insecurity, including boosting military operations, intelligence sharing, and community peace initiatives. The government also stressed the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue with the US while upholding its constitutional rights and sovereignty.
This issue matters globally as it involves religious freedom, international diplomacy, and regional stability. Nigeria's response underscores the complexity of its security challenges and highlights the need for balanced international engagement to protect vulnerable populations without undermining local governance structures.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/25/2026