The Federal Government has strongly refuted allegations that the ongoing wave of terrorist attacks in Nigeria amounts to a campaign of religious genocide against Christians. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described such claims as false, baseless, and capable of fueling unnecessary division among Nigerians.
According to the government, terrorists and criminal groups operating in the country do not single out Christians for attack. Rather, their violence has affected Nigerians of all faiths, including Muslims and those with no religious affiliation. Idris stressed that reducing the conflict to a religious narrative grossly misrepresents the reality on the ground and risks worsening tensions.
The government further highlighted what it called significant gains in the fight against insecurity. It disclosed that since May 2023, over 13,500 terrorists and criminals had been neutralized across multiple operations, while nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued. In recent months, security forces reportedly dismantled parts of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU) network, an al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria, arresting top leaders including Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Bara’a) and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (Mallam Mamuda).
Reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity, the Tinubu administration pointed out that Christians currently lead several top security organs, including the Armed Forces and Police, underscoring Nigeria’s plural character. The government also noted that court-martials and prosecutions are ongoing for military and police personnel implicated in misconduct, as part of its accountability measures.
Idris urged the media, civil society groups, and international observers to exercise caution in their reports, warning that sensational or divisive claims could embolden extremists. He reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government remains committed to justice, peace, and the security of all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity.