MINISTER WARNS CLERICS AGAINST FRAMING NIGERIA’S INSECURITY ALONG RELIGIOUS LINES

The Federal Government has urged Christian and Muslim clerics to avoid presenting Nigeria’s security challenges as a religious war, warning that such narratives could deepen divisions and create further tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The minister appealed to religious leaders to use their influence responsibly by promoting peace, tolerance and national unity rather than allowing insecurity to be interpreted solely through religious or ethnic perspectives. He stressed that the country’s security challenges should be addressed collectively without creating narratives capable of setting communities against one another.

According to the minister, portraying attacks and other security problems as conflicts between religious groups could worsen an already difficult situation and make it harder for Nigerians to work together against insecurity. He urged clerics to encourage their followers to remain calm, reject inflammatory messages and support efforts aimed at strengthening peace and stability.

The appeal comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gradually intensify, raising concerns that insecurity and other sensitive national issues could be exploited for political or religious purposes. The minister therefore called on religious institutions to help promote responsible political participation and discourage statements capable of increasing suspicion among Nigerians.

He maintained that religious leaders have an important role to play in protecting national cohesion, urging them to preach peace and resist attempts to turn Nigeria’s security challenges into a religious confrontation. He said the country needs cooperation across religious and ethnic lines to effectively confront insecurity and build a more stable society.