FG Refutes Claims Of Religious Genocide In Nigeria

The Federal Government has labeled as untrue, unfounded, deplorable, and polarizing the claims suggesting that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a deliberate genocide against Christians.

In a statement issued, the Minister of Communications, Idris Mohammed, contended that depicting Nigeria’s security issues as a focused assault on one religious group grossly distorts the truth. Idris noted that although Nigeria, like many nations, has encountered security threats, including terrorist acts committed by criminals, framing these as a purposeful, systematic attack on Christians is misleading and damaging, as it simplifies a complicated, multifaceted security landscape and serves the interests of terrorists and criminals aiming to sow division among Nigerians based on 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 m#rderous 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.”

Idris emphasized that the Federal Government is resolute in its responsibility to safeguard every Nigerian, irrespective of their ethnic or religious background, and continues to collaborate with international partners to counter the global menace of terrorism.

‘’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 Nigerian 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 the fight against terrorism, Nigeria has made significant strides in prosecuting Boko Haram suspects. To date, we have successfully prosecuted seven batches of suspects, securing over 700 convictions. We are currently moving into our eighth prosecution cycle, further demonstrating our resolve to tackle terrorism and its sponsors.

He asserted that Nigeria’s narrative is not one of religious genocide or persecution but rather one of resilience, diversity, and a globally recognized dedication to peaceful coexistence.

The Federal Government called on the international media and other commentators to act responsibly and respect the facts. All stakeholders are urged to steer clear of ignorance, sensationalism, and divisive rhetoric, and instead back Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in combating terrorism and all forms of criminality.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli