We’re landing heavy blows on terrorists, no anti-Christian genocide in Nigeria -FG

The Federal Government has dismissed claims circulating on international platforms and social media that Christians in Nigeria are facing a coordinated campaign of genocide by terrorists.

In a statement on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, described such allegations as “false, baseless, divisive, and a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s security challenges.”

He explained that framing insecurity as a targeted assault on one religious group ignores the complex nature of terrorism in the country.

According to Idris, extremist groups attack anyone who rejects their ideology, regardless of faith. “Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands,” he said.

The minister stressed that the government remains committed to defeating insurgents and safeguarding all Nigerians.

“The federal government remains unwavering in its commitment to completely degrading terrorist groups and securing the lives and property of all citizens, and this resolve is already yielding results. Between May 2023 and February 2025 alone, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals were neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued in multiple military operations across the country,” he said.

Idris recalled the August capture of key figures of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, including its leader, Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri.

He also noted that Nigeria had successfully prosecuted seven rounds of Boko Haram suspects, with more than 700 convictions secured, while the eighth phase of trials is underway. To ensure accountability, the armed forces and police have conducted several court martials and prosecutions for misconduct within their ranks.

Underscoring Nigeria’s diversity, Idris emphasised that the country is a multi-religious state with sizable Christian and Muslim populations. “Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalised in Nigeria. It is doubtful that foreign interlopers into Nigeria’s affairs are aware that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians, a fact that underscores the inclusivity of our national leadership,” he said.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s role in promoting interfaith harmony, citing the March 2025 Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded to Rev. James Wuye and Imam Ashafa for their decades of peacebuilding. The duo, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, were recognised for fostering trust between faiths, making them a model for all 56 Commonwealth nations.

Idris urged international commentators and media outlets to avoid sensationalism and support Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism.