Nigeria Rejects Report of Religious Genocide
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly refuted allegations from some international platforms and online commentators suggesting that terrorists in the country are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians, describing the claims as false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.
Complex Security, Not Religious Targeting
Government officials stressed that portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality. Acts of terrorism in the country, they said, are carried out by criminals against Nigerians of all faiths.
“Couching the situation as a deliberate, systematic attack on Christians is inaccurate and harmful. It oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted security environment and plays into the hands of terrorists who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines,” the Government stated.
Terrorism Affects All Communities
The violent activities of terrorist groups, according to the Government, are not confined to any particular religion or ethnic community. Muslims, Christians, and even non-religious citizens have suffered at the hands of extremists who reject peaceful coexistence.
Security Achievements and Counter-Terrorism Gains
Between May 2023 and February 2025 alone, security operations neutralized over 13,543 terrorists and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages. Just last month, the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria, was captured in a counter-terrorism raid.
Those arrested include Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), his proclaimed Chief of Staff. These arrests, the Government said, prove that Nigeria is not tolerating religiously motivated terrorism.
Commitment to Rule of Law
The Armed Forces and Police have conducted several court martials and prosecutions to hold officials accountable for misconduct, reinforcing discipline and adherence to the rule of law. The Government also noted ongoing prosecution of Boko Haram suspects, with over 700 convictions secured so far and the eighth prosecution cycle underway.
Diversity and Religious Coexistence
Nigeria is a multi-religious state with large populations of both Christians and Muslims. The country hosts some of the largest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation globally, alongside one of the world’s largest Muslim communities. The Government highlighted that both the current heads of the Armed Forces and Police are Christians—underscoring inclusivity in national leadership.
Recognition for Interfaith Peace Efforts
The Government pointed to international recognition of Nigeria’s interfaith harmony, citing the Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded in March 2025 to Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, for their decades-long work in promoting religious tolerance.
Call for Responsible Reporting
The Federal Government urged international media and commentators to act responsibly, avoid sensationalism, and support Nigeria’s efforts against terrorism. “The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide or persecution. Rather, it is a story of resilience, diversity, and peaceful coexistence,” it emphasized.
