FG Denies Allegations of Religious Genocide in Nigeria
- Nigeria’s Federal Government has firmly rejected allegations of religious genocide, calling them false and dangerously divisive
- Officials emphasise that terrorism in the country affects all communities, regardless of faith, and should not be mischaracterised as a targeted campaign against Christians
- Recent counter-terrorism successes and inclusive leadership depicted Nigeria’s commitment to national unity and religious coexistence
The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly rejected recent allegations circulating on international platforms and social media suggesting that terrorist groups operating within the country are perpetrating a systematic genocide against Christians.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, 28th September 2025, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
Source: Facebook
Idris stated that portraying Nigeria’s complex security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group was a gross misrepresentation of reality.
He emphasised that while the country has faced acts of terrorism, these have been perpetrated by criminals whose violence is indiscriminate and not confined to any religious or ethnic community.
Terrorist violence targets all Nigerians, FG says
According to the Federal Government, terrorist groups in Nigeria have attacked Muslims, Christians, and individuals of no religious affiliation alike. “These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith,” the statement read.
The government warned that framing the conflict as religious persecution oversimplifies a multifaceted security environment and risks fuelling division among Nigerians. It further noted that such narratives play into the hands of terrorists who seek to fracture national unity along religious and ethnic lines.
Counter-terrorism operations yield results
Between May 2023 and February 2025, Nigerian security forces reportedly neutralised over 13,543 terrorists and criminals, and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages in various military operations across the country.
The government highlighted the recent capture of top leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, as evidence of its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks.
The arrested individuals include Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, alias Mallam Mamuda, who served as Abu Bara’s Chief of Staff and Deputy.
Inclusive leadership and religious diversity
The Federal Government reiterated Nigeria’s status as a multi-religious state, home to one of the largest Muslim populations globally, alongside some of the biggest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation.
It dismissed claims of Christian marginalisation, pointing out that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians.
“Nigeria is not passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism,” the statement asserted, adding that the country’s leadership reflects its commitment to inclusivity and national unity.
Boko Haram prosecutions and judicial accountability
In its ongoing fight against terrorism, Nigeria has successfully prosecuted seven batches of Boko Haram suspects, securing over 700 convictions. The government confirmed that it is now entering its eighth prosecution cycle, reinforcing its resolve to bring perpetrators to justice.
The Armed Forces and Police have also conducted multiple court martials and prosecutions to hold officials accountable for misconduct, underscoring the importance of discipline and adherence to the rule of law.
Global recognition for peacebuilding
Highlighting Nigeria’s contributions to global peace efforts, the Federal Government celebrated the awarding of the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize in March to Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa. The duo, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, were recognised for their decades-long work promoting trust and tolerance across faiths—a model now adopted across all 56 Commonwealth nations.
“This means that Nigeria is not only exporting culture and music to the world—we are also exporting proven frameworks for interfaith harmony,” the statement noted.
FG urges responsible reporting on Nigeria’s security
The Federal Government called on international media and commentators to act responsibly and respect factual reporting. It urged all stakeholders to avoid sensationalism and divisive rhetoric, and instead support Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and criminality.
Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the administration reaffirmed its commitment to justice, security, and national unity.
“The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide or persecution. Rather, it is a story of resilience, diversity, and a globally acknowledged commitment to peaceful coexistence,” the Minister concluded.
Source: Facebook
See the X post below:
UN expert says firms 'profiting' from 'genocide'
Legit.ng earlier reported that UN rights expert Francesca Albanese on Thursday denounced companies she said "profited from the Israeli economy of illegal occupation, apartheid, and now genocide", in a report that provoked a furious response from Israel.
Some of the companies named in her report also raised objections. Albanese presented her report, investigating "the corporate machinery sustaining the Israeli settler-colonial project of displacement and replacement of the Palestinians", to the UN Human Rights Council.
Companies should stop all business activities and relationships that caused or contributed to rights violations and international crimes, she argued.
Source: Legit.ng
