The Federal Government has denied and strongly condemned recent allegations by certain international platforms and online influencers suggesting that terrorists operating in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians. Such claims are manifestly false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.
According to a statement released by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohamed Idris, portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality.
He said ” While Nigeria, like many countries, has faced security challenges, including acts of terrorism perpetrated by criminals, couching the situation as a deliberate, systematic attack on Christians is inaccurate and harmful. It oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted security environment and plays into the hands of terrorists and criminals who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines.”
“The violent activities of terrorist groups are not confined to any particular religious or ethnic community. 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 Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to completely degrading terrorist groups and securing the lives and property of all citizens, and this resolve is already yielding results. Between May 2023 and February 2025 alone, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals were neutralized and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued in multiple military operations across the country.”
“Only last month, the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan – commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, was captured in a well-coordinated counter-terrorism operation. They are: Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU; and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy.
These feats underscore the determination and success of our security forces and expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism.”
Idris emphasized that the Federal Government is resolute in its obligation to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerian citizens, without regard to their ethnic or religious identities, and is working closely with international partners to address the global challenge of terrorism.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces and Police have demonstrated their commitment to accountability by conducting several court martials and prosecutions to hold their officials accountable for any misconduct. This effort underscores the importance of discipline and adherence to the rule of law within our security agencies.
Nigeria is a multi-religious state with large populations of both Christians and Muslims. We are home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the world, alongside some of the biggest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation globally. Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria. It is doubtful that foreign interlopers into Nigeria’s affairs are aware that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians—a fact that underscores the inclusivity of our national leadership.”
In presenting the Federal Government’s scorecards on counter-terrorism efforts, Idris highlighted Nigeria’s significant advancements in prosecuting Boko Haram suspects, with over 700 convictions secured across seven batches and an eighth prosecution cycle in progress, demonstrating the country’s resolve to combat terrorism and its financiers.
The Minister noted that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the administration has remained committed to upholding justice and enhancing security and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten Nigeria’s peace and stability are brought to justice.
The Minister appeals to international media and commentators to demonstrate responsibility and factual accuracy. He also call on stakeholders to refrain from promoting ignorance, sensationalism, and divisive rhetoric, and instead support Nigeria’s sustained efforts to address terrorism and criminality.
