Nigeria Terrorism Narrative: U.S. envoy dismisses Christian genocide claims, clarifies issues
Nigeria terrorism narrative
Oct. 18, 2025
A senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African affairs, Massad Boulos, has dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, insisting that Boko Haram and ISIS have killed more Muslims than Christians in the country.
Boulos made the remarks on Friday during an interview following his meeting with President Bola Tinubu on the sidelines of the 2025 Aqaba Process Summit in Rome, Italy. Nigeria terrorism narrative
Nigeria terrorism narrative – The envoy said his statements were aimed at correcting the misrepresentation of Nigeria’s terrorism narrative, stressing that terrorism has no colour, religion, or tribe.
“Those who know the terrain well understand that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe. People of all faiths and backgrounds are suffering as a result of terrorist acts,” Boulos stated.
Nigeria terrorism narrative – He emphasized that extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS have targeted more Muslims than Christians, underscoring that “any loss of life is one too many.”
“We must work together in partnership to end terrorism and protect civilians. This is not about one group being targeted over another,” he added.
Boulos’ remarks come amid renewed calls by a U.S. lawmaker urging Washington to impose sanctions on Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution and to designate the country a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
The envoy, however, maintained that the Nigeria terrorism narrative is often distorted by those unfamiliar with on-ground realities, adding that religious profiling undermines collective efforts to end insecurity.
Read more: https://www.state.gov
He acknowledged that some regions, particularly North Central Nigeria, have experienced deadly attacks with Christian casualties, but said such incidents reflect the complex nature of Nigeria’s insecurity, not a targeted campaign.
Boulos praised President Tinubu’s recent efforts to improve national security, describing Nigeria as “a diverse and resilient nation where multiple ethnic and religious groups coexist within one federation.”
He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Nigeria’s counterterrorism and security cooperation, noting that both countries share a common goal of restoring peace and stability in West Africa.
Tinubu seeks stronger U.S. partnership on counterterrorism – http://gmtnewsng.com/nigeria-terrorism-narrative
The Aqaba Process Summit, hosted by Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, brings together world leaders, defence ministers, and regional stakeholders to strengthen global security cooperation, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel region. http://gmtnewsng.com
