The Federal Government has strongly refuted recent allegations by international platforms and online commentators suggesting that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out 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.”
“The portrayal of Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against one religious group is a gross misrepresentation of the situation,” the statement said.
Idris noted that terrorists and criminal elements in the country target all citizens—regardless of religion—who oppose their violent ideologies.
“Their victims include Muslims, Christians, and those of no religious affiliation. This is not a religious war; it is a criminal assault on the Nigerian people,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised, and nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued by security forces.
He also announced the recent arrest of top commanders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), the Al-Qaeda-linked group in Nigeria. Among those captured were Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a), ANSARU’s self-styled Emir, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda).
“These successes demonstrate our unwavering resolve and expose as false the narrative that Nigeria is tolerating religiously motivated terrorism,” the Minister stated.
He affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of religious or ethnic identity, and said the government continues to work with global partners to address terrorism.
Idris also highlighted that the leadership of the Armed Forces and Police are currently headed by Christians—underscoring the inclusivity of national governance.
“Nigeria is home to some of the world’s largest Muslim and Christian communities. Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalised in Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister further noted that over 700 Boko Haram suspects have been convicted across seven prosecution cycles, with the eighth cycle currently underway.
He pointed to the global recognition of Nigeria’s interfaith efforts, citing the recent award of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize to Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa—co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre.
“The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide, but of resilience, diversity, and peaceful coexistence,” the statement concluded.
The government called on international media and observers to act with responsibility, avoid sensationalism, and support Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality.
