FG dismisses allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal Government has dismissed as false and divisive recent reports by some international platforms and online commentators alleging that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said such claims were “baseless, despicable, and a gross misrepresentation” of the country’s security situation.

He explained that the violent activities of terrorist groups are not targeted at any particular religious or ethnic group but affect all Nigerians, regardless of faith.

“Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at the hands of these criminals. To portray Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against Christians is inaccurate and harmful,” Idris said.

The minister noted that the government remains committed to tackling terrorism, highlighting military successes between May 2023 and February 2025, during which over 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued.

He further disclosed that last month, the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria, was captured in a counter-terrorism operation. Among those arrested were Mahmud Muhammad Usman, alias Abu Bara’a, described as the group’s self-styled emir, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri.

Idris said the arrests and ongoing prosecutions of Boko Haram and other terror suspects, with over 700 convictions secured so far, demonstrated the seriousness of the government’s efforts.

“These feats expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism. Our security agencies remain committed to accountability and discipline, as seen in several court martials and prosecutions of personnel for misconduct,” he stated.