The Federal Government has firmly denied recent assertions by some international forums and internet commenters that terrorists operating in Nigeria are conducting a systematic genocide against Christians.
In a statement made on Sunday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the administration characterized the assertions as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive,” claiming that they distort the country’s complicated security concerns.
According to the minister, framing Nigeria’s war against terrorism as a targeted effort against a certain religious group simplifies the problem and risks inciting ethnic and religious discord.
“The violent activities of terrorist groups are not confined to any religious or ethnic community. Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any faith have suffered at their hands,” Idris said.
The minister highlighted recent accomplishments in the battle against terrorism, revealing that between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralized, and approximately 10,000 hostages were freed during military operations across the country.
He also stated that the top leadership of ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, was apprehended last month in a concerted counterterrorism operation.
“These feats expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism,” the minister added.
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Idris stressed Nigeria’s inclusive leadership structure, stating that both Christians and Muslims hold high-ranking posts in the Armed Forces and Police.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s global reputation for interfaith peacebuilding, citing the recent Commonwealth Peace Prize given to Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa for their decades-long efforts to promote interfaith communication.
The minister restated the government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and to achieving justice through the ongoing prosecution of Boko Haram and other terrorist suspects.
“The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide or persecution, but of resilience, diversity, and peaceful coexistence,” Idris stressed.
He charged the international media and commentators to act responsibly, avoid sensationalism, and support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
