Federal Government Refutes False Allegations of Religious Genocide in Nigeria

The Federal Government has issued a strong rebuttal to recent accusations circulating on some international platforms and among online influencers, which allege that terrorists in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide targeting Christians. The government described these claims as false, baseless, divisive, and deeply misleading.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a deliberate campaign against Christians grossly misrepresents the complex security landscape of the country. He explained that while Nigeria faces significant security threats, including terrorism, these threats are indiscriminate and affect all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity.

“Terrorist groups operating in Nigeria do not confine their violence to any single religious or ethnic group,” the statement noted. “Their brutal acts target anyone who rejects their extremist ideology—Muslims, Christians, and non-religious citizens alike.”

The statement highlighted notable successes in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. From May 2023 to February 2025, Nigerian security forces have neutralized over 13,500 terrorists and criminals and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages. Among recent victories is the capture of key leaders of the terrorist group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), Nigeria’s affiliate of Al-Qaeda.

These achievements, according to the government, debunk the misconception that Nigeria is passive or tolerant of religiously motivated terrorism.

Nigeria’s diversity as a multi-religious nation was underscored, with major Muslim and Christian communities living side by side. The government pointed out that Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria and cited the fact that the current heads of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police are Christians as testimony to the inclusiveness of national leadership.

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Furthermore, the government reaffirmed its commitment to justice and security under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. It detailed the ongoing prosecution of Boko Haram suspects, noting over 700 convictions to date across seven prosecution cycles, with an eighth cycle underway.

The statement also referenced Nigeria’s reputation for interfaith harmony, citing the March 2025 awarding of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize to Nigerian religious leaders Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa for their work in promoting trust and tolerance across faiths.

The government concluded by urging the international media and commentators to exercise responsibility and avoid spreading ignorance or sensationalism that undermines Nigeria’s efforts in tackling terrorism and criminality.

The message from the Ministry of Information affirms Nigeria’s narrative of resilience, unity, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence, firmly rejecting unfounded stories of religious genocide.