The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly rejected claims circulating on international platforms and social media suggesting that terrorists in the country are committing systematic genocide against Christians.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, condemned the allegations as false, divisive, and harmful to national unity.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges are not rooted in religion and should not be framed as such.
“Portraying the security crisis as a targeted campaign against Christians is a misrepresentation of the facts,” Idris said.
He noted that terrorists attack Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation, affecting both Muslims and Christians, as well as non-religious individuals.
He explained that these violent actors are primarily driven by extremist ideologies rather than religious motivations.
Between May 2023 and February 2025, Nigeria’s security agencies neutralized over 13,500 terrorists and criminals, rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, captured top leaders of terrorist groups such as Ansaru and achieved over 700 convictions in Boko Haram-related prosecutions.
Idris also highlighted Nigeria’s inclusive leadership, noting that Christian leaders currently head both the Armed Forces and the Police.
He dismissed any narrative of Christian marginalization, citing international recognition of Nigeria’s interfaith harmony, including the 2025 Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded to Nigerian Christian and Muslim leaders for their peacebuilding efforts.
The Minister urged the international community and media outlets to verify facts, avoid sensational reporting and support Nigeria’s anti-terrorism initiatives instead of spreading narratives that fuel division.
“We call for responsible reporting and a commitment to truth,” he said.
