The Nigerian government has disputed the United States’ designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to alleged Christian genocide. According to the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, this claim is a result of flawed intelligence gathering by the US.

Mr. Issa-Onilu made this statement during a press conference in Abuja, where he emphasized that the allegations of systematic persecution of Christians in Nigeria are unfounded and unfair. He noted that even the US is aware that no such persecution exists in the country. The Director General drew parallels with past instances where US intelligence had failed, citing examples such as the Iraq war, where the presence of weapons of mass destruction was later found to be untrue.

The recent reshuffling of Nigeria’s security chiefs, Mr. Issa-Onilu argued, demonstrates the country’s commitment to addressing internal security concerns, including communal and religious violence. He stated that such drastic measures would not be taken if the government was not serious about strengthening its security apparatus. The changes in the military’s top echelons, he explained, are aimed at empowering the system to more effectively tackle security challenges.

Nigeria’s response to the US designation comes amidst ongoing concerns about religious violence and persecution in the country. The US decision has significant implications for Nigeria’s international relations and could impact the country’s access to certain forms of aid and cooperation. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the two countries will navigate their differences on this issue. The Nigerian government’s assertion that it is working to improve security and address violence is a crucial step in addressing these concerns and potentially reversing the US designation.