The Federal Government has dismissed international claims alleging the mass killing of tens of thousands of Christians in Nigeria, insisting that verified official records show 177 Christian deaths and 102 church attacks within the last five years.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made the clarification on Tuesday during an appearance on British broadcaster Piers Morgan’s programme, where he featured alongside former Canadian MP Goldie Ghamari.

Tuggar said exaggerated figures circulated by some groups were fuelling dangerous narratives capable of destabilising the country.

“We have great respect for our partners, including President Donald Trump. However, it is unfortunate that he has been misinformed,” the minister said. “Nigeria is not a ground for a Jihad or a Crusade. For decades, Nigerians have lived together in relative peace.”

He said Nigeria remains a multi-religious democracy where citizens are not classified by faith.

‘False statistics driving wrong conclusions’

The minister dismissed claims of 50,000 Christian deaths and 18,000 destroyed churches, saying multiple fact-checks have discredited such figures.

“Those numbers are completely inaccurate. Many in the media have reviewed them and concluded they are false,” he stressed.

Tuggar acknowledged ongoing security challenges linked to Boko Haram and other armed groups operating across the Lake Chad region. He said the Multinational Joint Task Force has recorded major gains, with about 50,000 insurgents and persons linked to insurgency surrendering.

“We are processing some through the legal system while others undergo rehabilitation,” he added.

‘Terrorism affects all—Christians, Muslims, Atheists’

He insisted that extremist violence in Nigeria is not targeted at a particular religious group.

“We don’t identify victims by their religion; we see them as Nigerians,” he said. “The number one victims of extremist groups are Muslims who reject their ideology.”

The minister accused some foreign activists of promoting narratives that could provoke ethnic or religious conflict, likening them to agitators who contributed to Sudan’s disintegration.

Ghamari insists attacks are religious

Ghamari disagreed, insisting that what is unfolding in Nigeria is religiously driven.

“What is happening in Nigeria is Jihad,” she claimed, alleging government complicity because both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are Muslims.

She further alleged links between Nigerian authorities and Iran, and claimed that videos exist showing militants being allowed through military checkpoints—claims Tuggar dismissed as “inflammatory speculation.”

“She does not know the country she is speaking about,” he said. “We have constitutional provisions—Sections 10, 38 and 42—safeguarding religious freedom and federal balance.”

When pressed to provide figures, Tuggar restated:
“In the last five years: 177 Christians murdered, 102 churches attacked, 98 persons injured and 7 abducted.”

Clergyman counters FG, claims mass burials

Joining the conversation, Plateau-based cleric Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo accused the government of downplaying killings.

“I have conducted more than 70 mass burials. In one night alone, 501 people were killed,” he claimed.

He alleged that Boko Haram was created to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian—an assertion the minister dismissed.

“These conspiracy theories are dangerous,” Tuggar said. “People like her trade in starting wars. Nigeria cannot be the next Sudan.”