‘False, Divisive’: FG Refutes Reports Of Religious Genocide In Nigeria

The federal government has rejected recent reports by some international commentators alleging that terrorists in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians, describing the claims as “false, baseless, despicable and divisive.”

In a statement on Sunday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against one religious group amounts to a gross distortion of reality.

He said such narratives oversimplify a complex security environment and risk deepening divisions, which is exactly what terrorists seek to exploit.

“The violent activities of terrorist groups are not confined to any particular religious or ethnic community,” Idris said. “These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith. Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands.”

The minister highlighted gains in counter-terrorism operations, noting that between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages freed. He added that just last month, the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria, was captured in a major security operation.

According to Idris, these achievements show that the government is not passive in the face of terrorism and that allegations of religiously motivated violence being tolerated by the state are unfounded. He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to accountability within its security forces, citing multiple court martials and prosecutions of erring officers.

Underscoring Nigeria’s diversity, Idris said the country is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world, while also hosting some of the biggest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation. He noted that Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalised in Nigeria, pointing out that the current heads of both the armed forces and the police are Christians, a reflection of inclusivity in national leadership.

The minister also pointed to Nigeria’s progress in prosecuting terrorism suspects, with over 700 convictions secured across seven trial batches and an eighth round already underway. He said under President Bola Tinubu, the administration remains focused on justice and enhanced security for all citizens.

Highlighting Nigeria’s reputation for interfaith tolerance, Idris recalled that in March, the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize was awarded to two Nigerians, Rev. James Movel Wuye and Imam Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre. He said their decades-long work promoting trust across religious divides now serves as a model for peacebuilding in all 56 Commonwealth countries.

“The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide or persecution,” Idris said. “Rather, it is a story of resilience, diversity, and a globally acknowledged commitment to peaceful coexistence.”

He urged the international media and commentators to show respect for facts, avoid sensationalism, and support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.