The Federal Government has dismissed allegations that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians, describing such claims as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known in a statement on Sunday, stressing that portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted religious campaign is a gross misrepresentation of reality.
“The federal government strongly condemns and categorically refutes recent allegations by certain international platforms and online influencers suggesting that terrorists operating in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians,” the statement read. “Such claims are false, baseless, despicable, and divisive. Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality.”
Idris explained that extremists have attacked Nigerians of all faiths, not just Christians, while noting that security agencies have recorded significant successes against terrorist groups. Between May 2023 and February 2025, he said, security forces killed 13,543 terrorists and criminals and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages. He also highlighted the capture of the leadership of Ansaru, an al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria, and more than 700 convictions secured against Boko Haram suspects.
“These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith,” he said. “Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands.”
The minister dismissed the genocide narrative, noting that Nigeria’s top security chiefs include Christians and pointing to the country’s international recognition for interfaith efforts, such as the Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded in March to Rev. James Movel Wuye and Imam Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa.
Idris urged international observers to avoid sensationalism and support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, stating: “We urge the international media and other commentators to act with responsibility and have respect for facts.”
What you should know
The federal government rejects claims of a targeted genocide against Christians, asserting terrorists strike all faiths.
Authorities cite operations that killed 13,543 suspects and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, secured 700-plus convictions, and urge international media to avoid sensationalism and support Nigeria’s counterterrorism and reconciliation efforts urgently.
