Dare Babalola
The Federal Government has dismissed claims of religious genocide in Nigeria, describing the allegations as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
According to a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Sunday, “Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality.”
The government emphasised that terrorist groups target individuals who reject their ideology, regardless of faith, saying that Muslims, Christians, and those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at the hands of terrorists.
The minister maintained that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious identity.
“We are steadfast in our duty to protect every Nigerian,” the government stated.
The government highlighted its successes in degrading terrorist groups and securing lives and property.
“Between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,543 terrorists were neutralised, and nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued.
“The top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, was recently captured in a well-coordinated counter-terrorism operation,” the government boasted
The government emphasised that Nigeria is a multi-religious state with large populations of both Christians and Muslims.
“Nigeria is not a place where Christianity is endangered or marginalized,” Idris said, adding that the current heads of the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians.
He further underscored the inclusivity of Nigeria’s national leadership.
In addition, Idris said the government has made significant strides in prosecuting Boko Haram suspects, securing over 700 convictions to date.
“We are currently moving into our eighth prosecution cycle,” Idris stated.
The Federal Government urged the international media to act with responsibility and respect facts. “We urge the international media and other commentators to act with responsibility and have respect for facts,” Idris said.
Stakeholders are advised to avoid ignorance, sensationalism, and divisive rhetoric and instead support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in the fight against terrorism.
He concluded saying, “Nigeria is not only exporting culture and music to the world—we are also exporting proven frameworks for interfaith harmony.”
