The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged religious leaders to guard against presenting Nigeria’s security challenges as a religious war, warning that such narratives could undermine national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Idris also called on Christian leaders to use their influence to promote truth, peace, responsible citizenship and tolerance, stressing that no Nigerian should be attacked or discriminated against because of their faith.

The minister made the call in a keynote address delivered at the grand finale of the 2026 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the International Communion of Charismatic Archbishops, Bishops and Apostles at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation shared the address on its official X account on Thursday.

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Speaking on religious freedom and national security, Idris said the Federal Government remained committed to protecting the constitutional rights of Nigerians to practise their faith freely.

“Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and the Federal Government remains committed to protecting every citizen’s right to worship and practise their faith freely. No Nigerian should be attacked or discriminated against because of religion. Christians, Muslims and people of other faiths should be able to live and worship in peace. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, speaking to a cross-section of Bishops during his keynote address delivered at the grand finale of the 2026 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the International Communion of Charismatic Archbishops, Bishops and Apostles at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday. Photo: Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

“At the same time, we should not allow our security challenges to be wrongly presented as a religious war. Terrorists and criminal groups have attacked Nigerians of different faiths and backgrounds, and their objective is to create fear and undermine our national unity,” the statement quoted Idris as saying.

The minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had strengthened intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and military operations, while also expanding international partnerships on security.

He continued, “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government has strengthened intelligence, inter-agency cooperation and military operations, with significant gains recorded against terrorist and criminal networks. Our international partnerships have also grown stronger. Cooperation with the United States and other friendly nations covers intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, training, defence and border security.

“The message is clear: Nigeria is not facing these threats alone. We will continue to work with our international partners while strengthening our own capacity to protect Nigerians. But security ultimately requires the cooperation and vigilance of all citizens.”

📰 Source: Punch Nigeria