FG Refutes Claims of Religious Genocide in Nigeria

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By: Imran Musa

The Federal Government has dismissed as false and misleading recent claims by some international platforms and online commentators alleging that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as “baseless, despicable, and divisive,” stressing that portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a campaign against a single religious group was a gross misrepresentation of reality.

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

The Minister highlighted the government’s successes in combating terrorism, noting that between May 2023 and February 2025, security forces neutralized over 13,500 terrorists and criminals and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages. He added that the recent capture of the top leadership of ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, was further proof of progress.

He also pointed out that Nigeria had secured over 700 convictions of Boko Haram suspects in seven prosecution cycles, with the eighth already underway. According to him, these feats demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s resolve to tackle terrorism and ensure justice.

Idris stressed that Nigeria is a multi-religious country where both Islam and Christianity thrive, noting that the heads of the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians. He added that Nigeria recently earned international recognition for interfaith peacebuilding when two religious leaders, Rev. James Movel Wuye and Imam Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, won the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize.

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

The Minister urged international media and commentators to act responsibly, avoid sensationalism, and support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

Published on

September 28, 2025, 22:43 +00:00

AUTHOR

Saratu Ashafa