The Federal Government has strongly denied recent allegations by some international platforms and online commentators suggesting that terrorists operating in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians.
In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr, the Federal Government described the claims as false, baseless, divisive, and a gross misrepresentation of Nigeria’s security situation.
“Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted security environment and plays into the hands of terrorists who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines,” the minister stated.
The government stressed that terrorist activities in the country affect everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity. It noted that Muslims, Christians, and those of other or no religious affiliations have been victims of the insurgents.
The statement revealed that between May 2023 and February 2025, security forces neutralized more than 13,500 terrorists and criminals and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages. Last month, the top leadership of ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, was captured in a coordinated operation, further weakening the group’s activities.
“These feats underscore the determination and success of our security forces and expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism,” Idris added.
Reaffirming that Nigeria is a multi-religious country, the statement noted that Christianity and Islam thrive side by side. It pointed out that the heads of both the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police are Christians, emphasizing inclusivity in the country’s leadership.
“Nigeria is home to some of the largest Pentecostal churches and the biggest Anglican congregation globally. Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria,” the minister said.
The Federal Government further disclosed that over 700 Boko Haram suspects have been convicted in seven prosecution cycles, with an eighth cycle underway, showing its commitment to justice and accountability.
It also cited the recognition of two Nigerian religious leaders — Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa — who received the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize for their efforts in interfaith dialogue, as evidence of Nigeria’s leadership in promoting peaceful coexistence.
The statement called on international media and commentators to verify their facts, avoid sensationalism, and support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism and maintain peace.
