The Federal Government (FG) has denied allegations by international platforms and online influencers that terrorists in the country are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians.
FG, in a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Sunday, stated that such claims are “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
Idris stated that characterising Nigeria’s complex security issues as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of the facts.
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“Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality,” the minister stated, adding that it
“oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted security environment and plays into the hands of terrorists and criminals who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines.”
He emphasised that terrorist activities are not confined to any specific community, noting that Muslims, Christians, and non-religious citizens have all suffered at the hands of these criminals.
Idris pointed to recent military successes as evidence of its resolve to degrade terrorist groups.
He said between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals were neutralised, and nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued in various operations nationwide.
He highlighted a significant counter-terrorism operation last month that resulted in the capture of the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, or ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.
According to him, the captured leaders include Mahmud Muhammad Usman (self-styled Emir of ANSARU) and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri.
Idris also stressed Nigeria’s multi-religious nature, noting that Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalised.
The minister underscored the inclusivity of the national leadership by pointing out that “the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians—a fact that underscores the inclusivity of our national leadership.”
Idris detailed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s accountability efforts within the security forces, noting that several court martials and prosecutions have been conducted to address official misconduct.
Furthermore, he said the administration has made significant progress in prosecuting terror suspects, securing over 700 convictions across seven batches of Boko Haram suspects, with the eighth prosecution cycle currently underway.
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The minister also cited a global acknowledgement of Nigeria’s interfaith harmony, pointing to the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded in March of this year to two Nigerian religious leaders, Rev. Dr James Wuye and Imam Dr Muhammad Ashafa, for their work in promoting trust and tolerance.
He urged international media and commentators to “act with responsibility and have respect for facts”, advising them to “avoid ignorance, sensationalism, and divisive rhetoric” and instead support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts against criminality.
