Recent claims by some international platforms and online influencers that terrorists operating in Nigeria are committing a systematic genocide against Christians are fiercely condemned and explicitly denied by the Federal Government.
Such assertions are untrue, unfounded, vile, and polarizing, according to a statement released on Sunday by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation.
“It is a flagrant misrepresentation of reality to depict Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign targeting a specific religious group. Although Nigeria, like many other nations, has experienced security issues, such as terrorist attacks by criminals, it is untrue and damaging to characterize the situation as a purposeful, organized attack against Christians. It plays into the hands of terrorists and criminals who aim to split Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines and oversimplifies a complicated, varied security environment.
“No specific religion or ethnic group is exempt from the brutal actions of terrorist organizations. Regardless of creed, these murderers target everyone who disagrees with their murderous worldview. They have harmed Christians, Muslims, and even others who do not identify as religious.
“The Federal Government is still steadfast in its desire to eradicate terrorist organizations and protect the lives and property of all citizens, and this determination is already showing results. Numerous military operations throughout the nation resulted in the neutralization of over 13,543 terrorists and criminals and the rescue of approximately 10,000 captives between May 2023 and February 2025 alone.
The top leadership of Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, or ANSARU, was apprehended in a well-coordinated counterterrorism operation just last month. They are: Mahmud al-Nigeri (also known as Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s declared Chief of Staff and Deputy; and Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas, or Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU.
These accomplishments highlight the tenacity and effectiveness of our security personnel and disprove the idea that Nigeria is acquiescing in acts of terrorism with religious motivations.
“The Federal Government continues to collaborate with international partners to combat the worldwide menace of terrorism, and remains committed to its responsibility to safeguard all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or religious identity.
By holding their officers accountable for any wrongdoing through a number of court martials and prosecutions, the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police have shown their dedication to accountability. This endeavor emphasizes how crucial it is for our security agencies to maintain discipline and follow the law.
Nigeria is a multireligious country with sizable Muslim and Christian communities. Along with some of the largest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation in the world, we are home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the world. In Nigeria, Christianity is neither marginalized nor endangered. The fact that the current leaders of Nigeria’s police and military forces are Christians highlights the inclusiveness of our national leadership, as it is unlikely that foreigners meddling in our internal affairs are aware of this.
Nigeria has made notable progress in prosecuting Boko Haram suspects in the war on terror. Over 700 convictions have resulted from the successful prosecution of seven groups of suspects to date. As we enter our ninth prosecution cycle, we are reaffirming our commitment to combating terrorism and its backers.
“Under President Bola Tinubu’s direction, our administration is unwavering in its resolve to improve security and enforce the rule of law. We will keep working tirelessly to bring those who endanger the peace and stability of our country to justice.
