By Pascal Ibe

Introduction

Nigeria currently grapples with a multi-faceted and deeply entrenched terrorism challenge, which has evolved significantly in recent years. It’s no longer solely a North-Eastern problem but a national one, with varying manifestations across different geopolitical zones. The country consistently ranks high on global terrorism indices, reflecting the severity of the crisis.

Amidst these endless killings by the terrorists, the efforts from the government and security agencies have yet to yield the desired results.

For the past two months, Benue State has been a killing field. Last week, there were two suicide bomber attacks in two Nigerian states.

In Borno State, 12 persons died in a suicide bombing carried out in a fish market by a woman, while in Kano State, a military mortar bomb went off along the Eastern Bypass in Kano, the State capital, on Saturday, killing five persons in the process.

Regarding this, the United States issued a security advisory to its citizens in Nigeria a few days ago.

Claim

A X user, @Biafrantweets, claimed that the US has recognized Nigeria as an Islamic country while warning its citizens.

The post reads, “US has recognized Nigeria as Islamic Country, Warm Citizens to Avoid Military Bases or Gathering Events

Verifying this claim

There’s nowhere in the US security advisory that recognizes Nigeria as an Islamic country, after a thorough check by FACTWATCH Nigeria.

The US security warning to citizens in Nigeria reads, “Due to increased security concerns arising from current global developments, US Mission Nigeria informs US citizens that all US Embassy employees and their families are prohibited from non-official travel to a Nigerian military site or other government venue in Abuja at this time.

“Actions to take: Stay alert in public places, with particular attention to locations and venues where Westerners, expatriates, and government officials frequent.

“Avoid large gatherings and consider limiting unnecessary travel. Avoid predictable routines. Familiarise yourself with emergency exits when you enter buildings. Review your personal security plans.”

Can Nigeria become an Islamic country?

The primary reason Nigeria cannot be solely identified as an Islamic country is rooted in its secular constitutional framework. This is unequivocally laid out in Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which states: “The Government of the Federation or a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”

This seemingly straightforward statement is foundational to Nigeria’s identity as a diverse nation.

Unlike countries that formally designate a state religion (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Iran, or even some European nations with an established church), Nigeria’s constitution explicitly forbids both the federal and state governments from doing so. This means no single religion, including Islam, can be officially endorsed, promoted, or given preferential treatment by the government.

Verdict

The claim that the US has recognized Nigeria as an Islamic country is FALSE.