The Federal Government has accused foreign lobbyists, particularly in the United States, of orchestrating the narrative of a so-called “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday that the government’s findings revealed a network of external actors deliberately promoting false and divisive portrayals of Nigeria’s security challenges.
“There is a clear correlation between some lobbyists operating in the US and the activities here in Nigeria,” Idris said. “Some of those pushing this ‘Christian genocide’ narrative have direct ties to American lobby groups influencing opinion abroad.”
The minister stressed that while insecurity has indeed affected many communities, there is no evidence of any systematic targeting of Christians or any religious group in the country.
His comments come days after former US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged killings of Christians, warning that America could withdraw aid or take military action if the Nigerian government fails to act.
Idris described such claims as “misinformation based on faulty data,” blaming the wider security crisis on instability in the Sahel region.
“Terrorism in Nigeria does not target any specific religion or ethnicity,” he said. “It is a war against all peace-loving Nigerians. Christians and Muslims alike serve courageously in our armed forces, defending this country from extremists.”
He added that Nigeria remains open to working with the United States and other international partners to achieve the “complete elimination of terrorism” from its soil.
