The Nigerian government has strongly refuted reports by some international platforms and online commentators alleging that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians.
In a statement on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
He said portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a religiously targeted campaign was a gross misrepresentation of reality, warning that such narratives only play into the hands of terrorists who thrive on dividing Nigerians.
“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. Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands,” Idris said.
According to him, the government remains unwavering in its resolve to degrade terrorist groups and safeguard all citizens. He revealed that between May 2023 and February 2025, security forces neutralized 13,543 terrorists and criminals, while nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued during various operations.
Highlighting recent breakthroughs, Idris announced the capture of top leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate. They include Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the group’s self-styled Emir, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), his Deputy.
“These feats expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism,” he said.
The minister also stressed that Nigeria is a multi-religious state with thriving Muslim and Christian populations, noting that the heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians—an indication of inclusivity in national leadership.
On accountability, Idris said the military and police have continued to conduct court martials and prosecutions against erring officers, reaffirming discipline and adherence to the rule of law.
He further disclosed that Nigeria has successfully prosecuted over 700 Boko Haram suspects across seven batches and is set to commence its eighth prosecution cycle.
Citing global recognition of Nigeria’s interfaith harmony, Idris recalled that in March 2025, the Commonwealth Peace Prize was awarded to Nigerian clerics Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, for their decades-long peacebuilding efforts.
“The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide or persecution,” Idris stressed. “Rather, it is a story of resilience, diversity, and a globally acknowledged commitment to peaceful coexistence.”
He urged international media and commentators to act responsibly, avoid divisive rhetoric, and support Nigeria’s efforts in fighting terrorism and criminality.
