Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), says the federal government treats religious violence as an attack on the nation.
According to Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, Ribadu spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the conclusion of the US-Nigeria joint working group session.
The NSA stated that the protection of Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other faiths is non-negotiable.
“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs—is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said.
“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”
In a post on his X page on Friday, Ribadu said the Nigeria-US working group has achieved “tangible operational gains” in the war against terrorism.
The working group was established after Nigeria was designated a country of particular concern (CPC) by US President Donald Trump.
A CPC designation often triggers policy measures aimed at ending particularly severe violations of religious freedom.
Ribadu led the Nigerian delegation, comprising representatives from 10 ministries and agencies, while Allison Hooker, under-secretary of state, headed the US team of eight federal agencies.
Ribadu said Nigeria-US military security engagements have moved beyond words to action, with effective disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal elements.
He commended the US government for delivering drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and associated support systems procured over the past five years.
Allison Hooker said the US delegation aimed to broaden partnership with Nigeria on shared interests.
“Today, we are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities, prioritising counter-terrorism, insecurity, investigating attacks and holding perpetrators accountable,” she said.
“Reducing the number of killings, forced displacements, and abductions of Christians, particularly in north-central states.”