The Nigerian Government has dismissed allegations circulating on international platforms that terrorists in the country are waging a systematic campaign of genocide against Christians.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as “false, baseless, divisive, and a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s security challenges.”
He explained that insecurity in Nigeria is driven by extremist groups and criminals who target anyone opposing their ideology, regardless of religion. “Muslims, Christians, and even those with no religious affiliation have all suffered attacks,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
According to government data, between May 2023 and February 2025 more than 13,500 terrorists and criminals were killed in military operations, while nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued. In August, the leader of the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, were captured.
Idris also noted that Nigeria has successfully prosecuted over 700 Boko Haram suspects across seven trial cycles and continues to hold its armed forces accountable through court martials and disciplinary measures.
Emphasising Nigeria’s multi-religious character, he highlighted that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians. He further pointed to the global recognition of two Nigerian clerics, Reverend James Wuye and Imam Ashafa, who jointly received the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize this year for promoting interfaith trust.
The minister urged foreign commentators and international media to act responsibly, avoid sensationalism, and support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
