FG Dismisses Claims of Religious Genocide, Persecution in Nigeria

The Federal Government emphatically denies and strongly condemns recent claims made by online influencers and several international forums that terrorists operating in Nigeria are committing systematic genocide against Christians.

Such claims, according to a statement released on Sunday by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, are untrue, ludicrous, vile, and polarizing.

The portrayal of Nigeria’s security issues as a deliberate effort against a particular religious community is a flagrant distortion of the facts. Like many nations, Nigeria has experienced security issues, such as terrorist attacks by criminals, but it is false and damaging to frame the issue as a purposeful, organized attack on Christians. It simplifies a complicated, multidimensional security situation and aids terrorists and criminals who aim to split Nigerians along racial or religious lines.

There is no one religion or ethnic group that is exempt from terrorist organizations’ murderous actions. These thugs target anyone, regardless of faith, who disagrees with their murderous philosophy. They have inflicted suffering on Christians, Muslims, and even people who do not identify with any faith.

“The Federal Government’s determination to eradicate terrorist organizations and protect the lives and property of all citizens is still unshakeable, and it is already showing results. In several military operations throughout the nation, more than 13,543 terrorists and criminals were killed and almost 10,000 hostages were freed between May 2023 and February 2025 alone.

Just last month, a well-coordinated counterterrorism operation caught the top leadership of Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as ANSARU. They are: Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the self-styled ANSARU Emir (also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas, or Mukhtar); and Mahmud al-Nigeri, also known as Mallam Mamuda, who was declared Abu Bara’s Deputy and Chief of Staff.

“These achievements highlight the tenacity and effectiveness of our security forces and disprove the idea that Nigeria is acquiescing in religiously motivated terrorism.”

“The Federal Government remains committed to its responsibility to safeguard all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or religious background, and is still collaborating with international partners to combat the worldwide threat of terrorism.”

“The Nigerian Police and Armed Forces have shown their dedication to accountability by holding their officials accountable for any wrongdoing through a number of court martials and prosecutions. This endeavor emphasizes how crucial discipline and respect for the law are in our security forces.

Nigeria is home to sizable populations of Muslims and Christians, making it a multireligious state. We have the largest Anglican congregation in the world, some of the largest Pentecostal churches, and one of the largest Muslim communities in the world. In Nigeria, Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized. The fact that Christians currently control both the Armed Forces and the Police Force is unlikely to be known to foreigners meddling in Nigerian politics, which emphasizes how inclusive our national leadership is.

Nigeria has significantly advanced the prosecution of Boko Haram suspects in the war on terror. We have successfully prosecuted seven batches of suspects thus far, leading to more than 700 convictions. Our commitment to combating terrorism and its backers is further evidenced by the fact that we are approaching the seventh prosecution cycle.

“Our administration is unwavering in its resolve to protect justice and improve security under President Bola Tinubu’s direction. To make sure that those who endanger the peace and stability of our country are held accountable, we will keep working tirelessly.