FG Denies Alleged Religious Genocide in Nigeria

FG Denies Alleged Religious Genocide in Nigeria

 

 

 

The Federal Government has refuted claims circulating on international platforms suggesting that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians. The government described the allegations as false, baseless, and divisive.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality.

 

“While Nigeria, like many countries, faces security challenges, including acts of terrorism, couching the situation as a deliberate, systematic attack on Christians is inaccurate and harmful. It oversimplifies a complex security environment and plays into the hands of terrorists who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines,” the minister said.

 

Idris stressed that terrorist activities in Nigeria are not confined to any particular religious or ethnic community. “These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith. Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands,” he noted.

 

The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to defeating terrorism and protecting citizens. He cited that between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals were neutralised, and nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued in multiple military operations nationwide.

 

Idris further announced that the leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, had been captured last month in a coordinated counter-terrorism operation. The captives include Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a), self-styled Emir of ANSARU, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy.

 

“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,” he said.

 

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding every citizen regardless of ethnicity or religion, noting ongoing collaboration with international partners to combat global terrorism. He also emphasised the accountability measures within the Armed Forces and Police, including court martials and prosecutions for misconduct.

 

Idris dismissed the notion that Christianity is endangered or marginalised in Nigeria, pointing out that the nation is home to both one of the largest Muslim populations in the world and large Christian congregations, including Pentecostal and Anglican communities. “It is noteworthy that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians, underscoring the inclusivity of our national leadership,” he added.

 

The minister also highlighted progress in prosecuting Boko Haram suspects, revealing that seven batches of suspects have been successfully prosecuted, securing over 700 convictions, with an eighth prosecution cycle underway.

 

Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Idris said, the government remains committed to upholding justice and enhancing security. He further noted that Nigeria’s story is one of resilience, diversity, and peaceful coexistence, citing the awarding of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize in March to Nigerian religious leaders, Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, as recognition of Nigeria’s interfaith harmony efforts.

 

The minister urged the international media and commentators to act responsibly, avoid sensationalism, and support Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality.