The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, warned religious leaders against portraying Nigeria’s insecurity as a religious conflict, cautioning that such narratives could dangerously undermine national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking 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, Mohammed Idris stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges cut across religious and ethnic lines and must not be misrepresented.
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Mohammed Idris said, “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 minister’s remarks come at a sensitive political moment, with early alignments and rhetoric already shaping conversations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Analysts have warned that divisive narratives, particularly those tied to religion, have historically heightened tensions during electoral cycles in Nigeria.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s position, Mohammed Idris emphasised that the Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, noting that every Nigerian must be allowed to practise their faith without fear.
He described this principle as fundamental to national stability and democratic growth.
Mohammed Idris added, “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.”
Beyond rhetoric, the minister outlined what he described as measurable progress in Nigeria’s security operations.
He cited strengthened intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency cooperation and expanded international partnerships as key drivers of recent gains.
According to Mohammed Idris, security forces have sustained pressure on insurgent and criminal networks across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.
He disclosed that in the first quarter of 2026 alone, approximately 1,000 terrorist elements, including several senior figures, were neutralised.
In addition, coordinated rescue missions have delivered notable outcomes.
Mohammed Idris revealed that 308 abducted Nigerians were freed in August through joint operations involving the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
Despite these efforts, the minister acknowledged that security challenges persist and require a whole-of-society response.
He identified religious leaders as critical stakeholders in shaping public perception and maintaining social cohesion.
“The Church occupies a special place in the life of our nation,” Mohammed Idris said.
“That influence comes with responsibility. At a time when misinformation and intolerance can spread rapidly, religious platforms must remain spaces for truth, peace and responsible citizenship.”
The call also reflects broader concerns within government circles about misinformation and its potential to inflame divisions.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed instances where local conflicts were framed along religious lines, sometimes escalating tensions beyond their original scope.
As the political climate gradually intensifies, Mohammed Idris urged clerics to draw a clear line between political disagreements and religious hostility.
He encouraged citizens to engage constructively in the democratic process by evaluating policies and candidates rather than succumbing to identity-based narratives.
Observers say the minister’s intervention signals a proactive attempt to manage pre-election discourse and prevent a repeat of past cycles where polarising rhetoric overshadowed substantive national issues.
The address concluded with a firm reminder that national unity remains a shared responsibility.
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Mohammed Idris called on religious leaders to guide their congregations towards tolerance, dialogue and peaceful engagement, describing such efforts as vital to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.
