RismadarVoice Reporters
September 10, 2026
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged religious leaders to avoid portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a religious conflict, warning that such narratives could threaten national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Idris made the call during a keynote address at the 2026 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the International Communion of Charismatic Archbishops, Bishops and Apostles held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
The minister said terrorists and criminal groups had targeted Nigerians across different faiths and backgrounds, stressing that insecurity should not be interpreted as a battle between religious groups.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the constitutional right of all citizens to practise their faith freely, adding that no Nigerian should face discrimination or attacks because of religion.
Idris urged Christian leaders and other religious authorities to use their influence to promote peace, tolerance, responsible citizenship and accurate information, particularly as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 elections.
He warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to become religious or ethnic conflicts, urging Nigerians to assess candidates based on their records and programmes rather than identity.
The minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had strengthened intelligence gathering, security operations, inter-agency cooperation and international partnerships to tackle terrorism and criminal activities.
He said security forces had recorded progress against terrorist and criminal networks, including rescue operations that freed abducted citizens in parts of the country.
Idris, however, stressed that improving security required cooperation from citizens and religious leaders, who he said had an important role in preventing radicalisation and encouraging peaceful dialogue.
He called on faith leaders to help strengthen social cohesion and promote unity as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
