The Federal Government has dismissed reports by some international organisations and commentators alleging that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Sunday, described the allegations as false, divisive, and dangerous to the country’s peace.
“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. Such claims are false, baseless, despicable, and divisive,” the statement said.
Idris noted that Nigeria’s security challenges should not be misrepresented as religiously motivated, stressing that terrorists have attacked Muslims, Christians, and people of other identities without discrimination.
“These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith. Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands,” he said.
He disclosed that between May 2023 and February 2025, security forces neutralised 13,543 terrorists and criminals, while nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued across the country. He also recalled that the leadership of the terror group Ansaru was recently captured in a coordinated operation.
On prosecution, the minister said over 700 convictions had been secured against Boko Haram suspects across seven batches of trials.
Idris described the genocide narrative as a distortion of Nigeria’s multi-religious reality, pointing out that both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police are Christians, which reflects inclusivity in national leadership.
He also cited international recognition of Nigeria’s interfaith efforts, noting that earlier this year, the Commonwealth Peace Prize was awarded to Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre.
The minister urged international media and commentators to avoid sensationalism and support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.