No Religious War in Nigeria, FG Dismisses Genocide Claims
The Federal Government has rejected reports alleging that Christians in Nigeria are facing a coordinated genocide, insisting that the claims are false and divisive.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Sunday, said portraying the country’s security challenges as a religious war only fuels the agenda of terrorists who want to pit Nigerians against one another.
According to him, terrorist groups attack indiscriminately, targeting Muslims, Christians, and even those with no religious affiliation. “The violent activities of these criminals are not tied to any particular faith or ethnic group,” he said.
The minister highlighted the government’s recent gains in the fight against insecurity, revealing that between May 2023 and February 2025, security forces neutralized over 13,500 terrorists and criminals, while nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued. He also disclosed the arrest of top commanders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), an Al-Qaeda affiliate.
“These achievements prove Nigeria’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and discredit claims that the government tolerates faith-based violence,” Idris noted.
He added that both the military and police leadership are currently headed by Christians, further debunking the narrative of Christian persecution.
Citing the Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded earlier this year to Rev. James Movel Wuye and Imam Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa for their work in interfaith peacebuilding, Idris described Nigeria’s true story as one of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence.
He urged international observers and the media to steer clear of sensationalism and instead support the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.
