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The Federal Government of Nigeria has stated that the recent replacement of service chiefs is part of efforts to reinforce the nation’s security framework and to enhance its ability to respond effectively to emerging threats.

According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, this move reflects the Tinubu administration’s renewed commitment to tackling the country’s security issues and ensuring the protection and welfare of every citizen.

During an interview on CNN on Tuesday night, Idris dismissed remarks by certain foreign officials who claimed that terrorist attacks in Nigeria are directed solely at Christians. He described such claims as inaccurate and inconsistent with the complex security situation in the country, noting that the Nigerian constitution guarantees every citizen’s right to religious freedom.

“Some of the claims made by some officials of the United States are based on faulty data and some assumptions that the victims of this violence are largely Christians. Yes! There are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not just target one religion. They target Christians. They also target Muslims. We have seen that especially in the northern part of the country,” he said.

He further explained that individuals spreading such stories are unknowingly aiding the agenda of criminals who aim to provoke discord between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.

Idris reiterated that Nigeria continues to be a nation that upholds religious tolerance and freedom of worship, cautioning that pushing a false story of religious hostility could unintentionally create division between the two major faith groups.

“Characterising it as attacks on Christians will drive Nigeria towards division. The criminals want to portray the country as if there is a fight between Christians and Muslims.

“We have seen attacks on Christians. We have also seen attacks on Muslims as well. But it is also wrong to characterize Nigeria as a country that does not tolerate religious freedom, and it’s also wrong to say that everywhere is not safe in Nigeria. Nigeria is indeed a safe country,” he said.

The minister acknowledged that while security challenges exist in the country, the government is tackling them decisively and with sustained commitment.

“Yes, indeed, we have seen security challenges in Nigeria, but we also have to recognise that there is a massive drive by the government to ensure that Nigeria is ultimately safe for everyone,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria has been grappling with security challenges since 2009, but explained that in the past two years there has been renewed momentum and determination to eradicate these threats.

“In the last two years, there has been a renewed focus and renewed attention has been put in to ensure that Nigeria becomes safe. We have a massive deployment of resources to improve our military hardware. We have also seen investments in other sectors such as agriculture and social services to ensure that the non-kinetic approach contributes to the stability of our country.

“Even the recent changes (of service chiefs) are all geared towards strengthening our security architecture to ensure that the government responds to every situation,” he stated.

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