The Federal Government has dismissed reports alleging that terrorists are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
In a statement on Sunday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described such claims as “false, baseless, despicable and divisive.”
Idris said portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a religious war is misleading and plays into the hands of terrorists seeking to divide citizens along faith and ethnic lines.
Part of the statement read: “The violent activities of terrorist groups are not confined to any particular religious or ethnic community.
“These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith. Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands.”
The minister said the government remains committed to degrading terrorist groups and securing the lives of all Nigerians, citing recent military successes.
Between May 2023 and February 2025, he said, over 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised while nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued.
Idris also announced the capture of top commanders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, in a recent counter-terrorism operation.
“These feats underscore the determination of our security forces and expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism,” he said.
The minister added that security agencies have been holding errant officials accountable through court martials and prosecutions.
He dismissed the notion of Christian persecution in Nigeria, noting that both the armed forces and police are currently headed by Christians.
The minister pointed to the Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded in March to Rev James Movel Wuye and Imam Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa for promoting interfaith harmony as proof of Nigeria’s global leadership in peacebuilding.
“The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide or persecution. It is a story of resilience, diversity, and a globally acknowledged commitment to peaceful coexistence,” he added.
Idris urged international media and commentators to avoid sensationalism and instead support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.