(The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. Photo Credit: Ministry of Information and National Orientation)
Nigeria’s Minister of Information has warned religious leaders against describing the country’s security problems as a religious war, saying such claims could damage national unity before the 2027 elections.
Mohammed Idris made the appeal at a conference of Christian bishops in Abuja on Wednesday, urging church leaders to use their influence to promote truth, peace and tolerance instead.
He stressed that no Nigerian should face attack or discrimination because of their faith.
The minister said the Federal Government is committed to protecting the constitutional right of all Nigerians to practice their religion freely, whether they are Christian, Muslim or of other faiths.
He pointed out that terrorists and criminal groups have attacked people from different religions and backgrounds, and that their real goal is to create fear and weaken national unity, not to wage a religious war.
Idris noted that President Tinubu’s administration has strengthened intelligence work, improved cooperation between security agencies and boosted military operations.
The government has also built stronger partnerships with countries like the United States for intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism training.
He said Nigeria is not facing these threats alone and will continue working with international partners while building its own security capacity.
The minister stressed that religious leaders have enormous influence over millions of Nigerians who look to them not just for spiritual guidance but also for direction on issues affecting their families and communities.
He said that with misinformation and hate speech spreading quickly, religious leaders have a responsibility to use their platforms to promote truth, peace and responsible citizenship rather than division.
With elections coming in 2027, Idris urged religious leaders to teach people to distinguish between political disagreement and religious hostility.
He said Nigerians have the right to support the party or candidate of their choice, and religious leaders can hold their own political views as citizens, but there must be a clear line between political competition and religious conflict.
The minister warned that no election should turn Christians against Muslims or vice versa, or deepen divisions between regions and ethnic groups.
He said religious leaders should encourage citizens to participate in democracy, examine the records of candidates, vote according to their conscience and accept election results peacefully.
On security, Idris said the government has adopted a broad approach involving intelligence, coordination between agencies, military operations and improved logistics.
He reported that security forces have made progress across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.
In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the military reported eliminating roughly 1,000 terrorist elements including dozens of their leaders.
He also cited a recent operation in August when security agencies rescued 308 abducted Nigerians in Niger and Kwara States.
However, Idris said building a secure and peaceful society requires more than military action.
Religious leaders, he said, have a vital role in strengthening social unity, keeping young people away from radicalization and criminality, and promoting dialogue as a way to address political, social and economic grievances.
