The Federal Government has dismissed recent reports by some international platforms and online commentators alleging that Nigeria is witnessing a systematic genocide against Christians.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive,” stressing that such narratives misrepresent Nigeria’s security challenges and risk fueling religious discord.
“The violent activities of terrorist groups are not confined to any particular religious or ethnic community. These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith,” Idris said.
He highlighted ongoing military successes, noting that between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,500 terrorists were neutralized and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued. He further cited the capture of key leaders of ANSARU, an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria, as evidence of the government’s resolve.
The Minister added that Nigeria remains committed to accountability within its security forces, with several court martials and prosecutions conducted to address misconduct. He emphasized that both Christians and Muslims are represented at the highest levels of government, pointing to the religious diversity of the current heads of the Armed Forces and Police.
Idris also noted that Nigeria has secured over 700 convictions of Boko Haram suspects through multiple prosecution cycles, while President Bola Tinubu’s administration continues to prioritize justice, security, and interfaith harmony.
He pointed to the recent Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded to Nigerian clerics Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa for their interfaith mediation efforts, as proof of Nigeria’s global leadership in promoting tolerance.
“The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide or persecution, but of resilience, diversity, and peaceful coexistence,” the Minister stressed, urging international media and commentators to avoid sensationalism and support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
