The Federal Government has dismissed allegations circulating on international platforms and social media suggesting that terrorist groups in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the claims as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
“Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality,” Idris said.
“Such framing oversimplifies a complex security environment and plays into the hands of terrorists who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines.”
According to the Minister, terrorist groups operating in the country do not restrict their violent activities to any particular religious or ethnic community.
He stressed that both Muslims and Christians, as well as those who do not identify with any religion, have been victims of insurgent attacks.
Citing recent military successes, Idris disclosed that between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised while nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued during counter-terrorism operations across the country.
He also confirmed the capture of the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate. Those arrested include Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, the group’s self-styled Emir, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri.
“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 said.
The Minister further noted that Nigeria has successfully prosecuted seven batches of Boko Haram suspects, securing over 700 convictions, with an eighth cycle of trials already underway.
He added that disciplinary measures are also being taken within the security forces to ensure accountability.
Idris highlighted Nigeria’s multi-religious identity, pointing out that the country is home to large populations of both Christians and Muslims, as well as some of the biggest Pentecostal churches and Anglican congregations in the world.
“Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalised in Nigeria,” he maintained.
“In fact, the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police are Christians, which underscores the inclusivity of our national leadership.”
He also referenced the international recognition of Nigerian efforts toward peacebuilding, noting that earlier this year, the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize was awarded to Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa for their decades-long work in fostering interfaith dialogue and trust.
Idris urged the international media and commentators to avoid sensationalism and instead support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism.
“We call on all stakeholders to act with responsibility, respect the facts, and avoid divisive rhetoric,” the Minister said.
“Nigeria’s story is not one of religious genocide but one of resilience, diversity, and peaceful coexistence.”
