Senator representing Kano South, Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, has accused United States Senator Ted Cruz of promoting a distorted narrative about Nigeria’s security situation, warning that such rhetoric could deepen religious divisions and undermine ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.

In a statement issued on Friday, Kawu said attempts to portray Nigeria’s security challenges primarily as religious persecution ignored the complex realities of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent extremism affecting citizens across religious and ethnic lines.

The lawmaker expressed concern over Senator Cruz’s continued calls for Nigeria to be redesignated under the United States’ “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) framework, arguing that such a position failed to reflect the true nature of the country’s security crisis.

According to him, reducing Nigeria’s security challenges to a purely religious conflict creates a false international perception that could inflame tensions, undermine peacebuilding initiatives and encourage foreign policies that do not align with realities on the ground.

He maintained that victims of insecurity include Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths, noting that terrorists and criminal groups have attacked churches, mosques, schools, markets and rural communities without regard to religious affiliation.

Kawu also praised the sacrifices of Nigeria’s security personnel, saying members of the armed forces and other security agencies, drawn from different religious backgrounds, continue to work together in the fight against insurgents, kidnappers and bandits.

“The shared sacrifices of our security forces should unite rather than divide us,” he said, urging Nigerians and the international community to resist narratives capable of heightening religious polarisation.

The senator called on Christians in Nigeria and across the world to critically examine the facts and support initiatives that promote peace, interfaith harmony, national unity and sustainable development.

While welcoming constructive international engagement, Kawu cautioned against what he described as attempts by foreign political actors to interpret Nigeria’s internal security challenges through narrow ideological or partisan lenses.

He stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in the unity and resilience of its diverse population and called on diplomatic partners, media organisations, civil society groups and all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, to support genuine efforts aimed at strengthening security, justice and national cohesion.

The lawmaker maintained that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires cooperation based on facts and mutual respect rather than narratives capable of deepening existing divisions.