FG Refutes False Claims of Religious Genocide in Nigeria
The Federal Government strongly condemns and categorically refutes recent allegations by certain international platforms and online influencers suggesting that terrorists operating in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians. Such claims are false, baseless, divisive, and despicable.
Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality. While Nigeria, like many countries, has faced serious security threats, including acts of terrorism by criminal groups, describing the situation as a deliberate and systematic attack on Christians is inaccurate and harmful. It oversimplifies a complex security environment and plays into the hands of terrorists who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines.
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 without religious affiliation have suffered at their hands.
The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to defeating terrorist groups and safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens—a resolve already yielding results. Between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals were neutralized, while nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued in multiple military operations nationwide.
Just last month, the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate) was captured in a well-coordinated counter-terrorism operation. Those arrested include Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), his proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy.
These successes underscore the determination of our security forces and expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism.
The Federal Government is resolute in protecting every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic or religious identity, and continues to collaborate with international partners to confront the global threat of terrorism.
The Nigerian Armed Forces and Police have also demonstrated their commitment to accountability through several court martials and prosecutions, holding officials responsible for misconduct. This underscores the importance of discipline and respect for the rule of law within our security agencies.
Nigeria is a multi-religious nation with large populations of both Christians and Muslims. We are home to one of the world’s largest Muslim communities, alongside some of the biggest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation globally. Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria. Indeed, the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police are Christians—a fact that underscores the inclusivity of our national leadership.
In the fight against terrorism, Nigeria has made significant strides in prosecuting Boko Haram suspects. To date, seven batches of suspects have been prosecuted, resulting in over 700 convictions. The eighth prosecution cycle is now underway, further demonstrating our resolve to dismantle terrorism and bring its sponsors to justice.
Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the administration remains firmly committed to upholding justice and strengthening national security. We will continue working tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten our peace and stability are brought to justice.
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. In March this year, the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize was awarded to two Nigerian religious leaders—Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa—co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre. Their decades-long work in promoting trust and tolerance now serves as a model for peacebuilding across all 56 Commonwealth countries. This shows that Nigeria is not only exporting culture and music to the world but also proven frameworks for interfaith harmony.
We urge the international media and commentators to act responsibly and respect the facts. Stakeholders are advised to avoid ignorance, sensationalism, and divisive rhetoric, and instead support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and all forms of criminality.
