FG Dismisses Claims of ‘Religious Genocide’, Says Terrorists Target All Nigerians‎

‎FG Dismisses Claims of ‘Religious Genocide’, Says Terrorists Target All Nigerians‎

By Abiola Adigun
Albarka 89.9 FM

The Federal Government has strongly rejected allegations circulating in some international media platforms and online forums that Nigeria is witnessing a systematic genocide against Christians, insisting that such narratives are false, divisive, and a gross misrepresentation of the country’s security realities.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Sunday, described the claims as “baseless, despicable, and harmful,” warning that portraying Nigeria’s complex security challenges as a targeted campaign against one religious group only feeds the agenda of terrorists.
“Nigeria’s violent extremism is not confined to any particular faith. Terrorists and criminals have attacked Muslims, Christians, and those of no religious identity alike. To label it as genocide against Christians oversimplifies reality and plays into the hands of those who want to divide us,” Idris said.
Nigeria has battled terrorist insurgencies, banditry, and kidnapping for over a decade, with Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other splinter groups launching deadly attacks in the Northeast, Northcentral, and Northwest. Security analysts note that these groups target communities indiscriminately, with Muslims and Christians suffering heavy casualties in raids on villages, markets, schools, and places of worship.
Despite criticism, the government maintains that its counter-terrorism efforts are yielding results. According to official figures, between May 2023 and February 2025, security forces neutralized over 13,500 terrorists and criminals while rescuing nearly 10,000 hostages.
In August, the military announced the arrest of top commanders of Ansaru, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, including Mahmud Muhammad Usman, alias Abu Bara’a, described as the group’s “Emir.” Authorities say these breakthroughs underscore the government’s resolve to dismantle extremist networks.
Idris also dismissed suggestions that Christianity is under siege in Nigeria, pointing to the country’s religious diversity and inclusive leadership. He noted that both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police are Christians, underscoring that religion is not a barrier to high office in the country.
“Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria. Our story is one of resilience and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The government further highlighted progress in holding Boko Haram suspects accountable, with over 700 convictions secured through seven rounds of prosecutions, while a new batch of trials is underway. Security forces, Idris added, have also subjected their own personnel to court martials and disciplinary measures to ensure accountability.
Idris pointed to Nigeria’s global recognition in interfaith harmony, citing the March 2025 Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded to Rev. James Movel Wuye and Imam Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, whose peacebuilding model is now being adopted across 56 Commonwealth nations.
He urged the international media and foreign commentators to avoid sensationalism and divisive rhetoric, and instead support Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
“Our administration under President Bola Tinubu remains steadfast in its duty to protect every Nigerian and to bring to justice those who threaten our peace and stability,” Idris said.