The European Union (EU) has expressed strong solidarity with victims of recent violence across Nigeria, particularly those affected by attacks in the southern and northeastern regions of the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anouar El Anouni, and made available to Vanguard, the bloc said it had taken note of recent remarks from the U.S. administration concerning Nigeria.

Responding to questions about whether the EU’s External Action Service would react to the U.S. threats, El Anouni stated, “The EU is aware of the statements made by the American administration regarding Nigeria. We express our full solidarity with all communities and families affected by the violence, including the recent large-scale attacks in Nigeria’s southern belt and the northeast.”

The spokesperson reaffirmed the EU’s long-standing commitment to human rights, freedom of religion, and the protection of minorities.

“The EU remains dedicated to promoting freedom of religion and belief and ensuring the safety of all communities, particularly minorities. We emphasize our support for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, regardless of geographic, ethnic, political, or religious differences,” El Anouni said.

He also noted that the causes of violence in Nigeria are complex and cannot be attributed solely to religion. “We recognize that multiple factors contribute to the ongoing violence, and religion is only one of them—and only in specific cases,” he added.

El Anouni further explained that the EU is working closely with Nigerian authorities to address the crisis. “The European Union continues to cooperate with relevant Nigerian agencies and is implementing multifaceted programs to prevent violence, promote peacebuilding, and assist victims of conflict and forced displacement,” he said.