Nigeria Treats Religious Violence as Attack on the State – NSA Nuhu Ribadu

The Federal Government has declared that any violence framed along religious lines will be treated as a direct attack on the Nigerian state, reaffirming that the protection of all citizens, Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other faiths is non-negotiable.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, made the statement at the conclusion of the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group held in Abuja to address concerns around religious freedom and insecurity.

“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” Mr Ribadu said.

“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”

He said the government’s response to insecurity goes beyond military action, combining security operations with the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards, and strategic communication to ensure that operational successes translate into public confidence and stronger social cohesion.

“Our response integrates security operations, rule of law, humanitarian safeguards, and strategic communication, ensuring that operational successes translate into public confidence and strengthened social cohesion,” he added.

The meeting, held on January 22, followed the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act. The Joint Working Group was established to deepen bilateral cooperation aimed at reducing violence against vulnerable communities, particularly Christians, strengthening accountability for attacks, and improving the protection of civilians.

Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting was led by Mr Ribadu and included officials from multiple ministries and security agencies. The United States delegation was headed by the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, alongside representatives of several U.S. federal agencies.

Ms Hooker said the United States recognises Nigeria’s diversity and the complexity of its security challenges, stressing that sustained cooperation is essential to protecting civilians and upholding freedom of religion.
She said the Working Group provides a platform for both countries to move beyond expressions of concern to practical actions that deter violence, strengthen investigations, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.

Mr Ribadu said Nigeria’s partnership with international allies, including the United States, is already yielding tangible results, pointing to improved coordination among security agencies and increased pressure on terrorist and criminal groups operating across the country.

“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 gains,” he said.

Security analysts say the government’s framing of religiously motivated violence as an attack on the state reflects growing concern over attempts by extremist and criminal groups to exploit religious identities to fuel division and undermine national unity.

Both delegations agreed that engagements under the Joint Working Group would continue, with the next meeting expected to hold in the United States at a date to be agreed through diplomatic channels.