The Federal Government has strongly dismissed as false, baseless, divisive, and malicious the reports alleging that terrorists operating in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Communications, Idris Mohammed, the government emphasized that portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a serious distortion of the facts. While Nigeria, like many other nations, faces significant security threats—including acts of terrorism by criminal elements—characterizing these challenges as a deliberate and systematic attack on Christians is both inaccurate and harmful. Such narratives oversimplify a complex security landscape and serve the interests of terrorists and criminals who seek to divide Nigerians along religious and ethnic lines.
“The violent acts committed by terrorist groups are not limited to any one religious or ethnic community. These criminals attack all who reject their violent ideology, irrespective of faith. Muslims, Christians, and even those without religious affiliation have suffered from their brutality,” Idris stated.
The Federal Government remains resolutely committed to dismantling terrorist groups and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. This commitment has yielded tangible results: between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals were neutralized, and nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued through multiple military operations nationwide.
Just last month, a major counter-terrorism operation successfully captured the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate. The arrested leaders include Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas, or Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s Chief of Staff and Deputy.
Idris reaffirmed the government’s unwavering duty to protect every Nigerian regardless of ethnicity or religion, while continuing to collaborate with international partners to combat the global threat of terrorism.
“Nigeria is a multi-religious nation, home to large populations of both Christians and Muslims. We host 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. It is worth noting that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians—highlighting the inclusivity of our national leadership,” he added.
In the fight against terrorism, Nigeria has made significant progress in prosecuting Boko Haram suspects, with over 700 convictions secured through seven prosecution cycles. The government is now entering its eighth cycle, further demonstrating its determination to hold terrorists and their sponsors accountable.
Idris concluded by stating that Nigeria’s story is not one of religious genocide or persecution but one of resilience, diversity, and a globally recognized commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The Federal Government urged the international media and all commentators to act responsibly and respect the facts. It advised all stakeholders to avoid ignorance, sensationalism, and divisive rhetoric, and instead support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and all forms of criminality.
