The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has debunked reports alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing such claims as false, divisive, and capable of undermining regional peace and unity.

In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the regional body said terrorism and violent extremism across parts of West Africa — including Nigeria — have targeted people of all faiths without discrimination.

“Independent reports have consistently shown that terror groups operating in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin attack civilians irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or gender,” ECOWAS stated.

The Commission noted that the spread of misleading narratives risks inflaming sectarian tensions and distracting governments from ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims, which are designed to deepen insecurity and weaken social cohesion in the region,” the communiqué added.

It urged the United Nations and other international partners to ignore such divisive rhetoric and continue to support regional initiatives aimed at defeating terrorism and stabilising communities affected by insurgency.

The statement came in response to recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that Christians were being massacred in Nigeria and threatened to cut aid to the country.

ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to assisting member states confronting insurgent violence and called for global collaboration in addressing the root causes of terrorism across the subregion.