September 28, 2025 | Abuja
The Federal Government has dismissed as false and divisive recent allegations by some international platforms and online influencers suggesting that Nigeria is witnessing a systematic genocide against Christians. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the reports as “baseless, despicable, and a misrepresentation of the nation’s security challenges.”
According to Idris, portraying Nigeria’s terrorism problem as a deliberate campaign against one religious group “oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted security environment” and risks fuelling division. He stressed that criminal elements target Nigerians indiscriminately, explaining that Muslims, Christians, and even those without religious affiliation have been victims of extremist violence.
The minister noted that the government’s counter-terrorism efforts have been yielding results. Between May 2023 and February 2025, he said, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals were neutralized while nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued across different parts of the country. He insisted that such outcomes are exposed as unfounded claims that Nigeria is tolerating religiously motivated terrorism.
Highlighting recent security breakthroughs, Idris revealed that the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as ANSARU, was captured last month in a coordinated military operation. Those arrested included Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri.
“These feats underscore the determination and success of our security forces,” Idris said, adding that Nigeria remains committed to working with international partners to address terrorism, which is a global threat. He emphasized that the duty of the government is to protect every citizen, regardless of ethnic or religious identity.
The minister also explained that the Armed Forces and the Police have demonstrated accountability through several court martials and prosecutions, aimed at ensuring discipline and respect for the rule of law. This, he said, underlines the government’s insistence that security agencies must maintain professionalism in operations.
Idris pointed out that Nigeria is a multi-religious country with significant populations of Christians and Muslims. “Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria,” he maintained, noting that the nation hosts some of the largest Pentecostal churches in the world, as well as the biggest Anglican congregation globally. He also drew attention to the fact that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police are Christians, a reflection of inclusivity in leadership.
Providing further details on progress in the fight against terrorism, the minister disclosed that Nigeria has successfully prosecuted seven batches of Boko Haram suspects, securing over 700 convictions. He said the eighth prosecution cycle is already underway, demonstrating the resolve to hold terrorists and their sponsors accountable.
He stressed that under President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government remains committed to justice, peace, and security. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten our nation’s peace and stability are brought to justice,” Idris affirmed.
The minister reminded international observers that Nigeria’s true story is not one of genocide but of resilience and coexistence. He referenced the recognition given in March 2025 to Nigerian religious leaders Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, who received the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize for their work in interfaith mediation. According to him, this global honor proves that Nigeria is exporting peacebuilding models alongside culture and music.
Calling for restraint, Idris urged the international media and commentators to “act with responsibility and respect for facts,” warning that sensationalism and divisive rhetoric only aid terrorists. He appealed for collective support toward Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in defeating terrorism and criminality. GMTNewsng
