The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally condemns and categorically refutes recent allegations propagated by certain international platforms, online influencers, and media outlets claiming that terrorists operating within Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians. These claims are not only false and baseless but also deeply divisive, inflammatory, and dangerous. They misrepresent the complex security challenges facing the nation and threaten to undermine the unity and resilience of Nigeria’s diverse population.
Such allegations, which portray Nigeria’s security issues as a targeted campaign against a single religious group, are a gross oversimplification of a multifaceted and evolving situation. By framing the actions of terrorists and criminals as a deliberate, religiously motivated attack, these narratives play directly into the hands of those who seek to sow discord among Nigerians along religious, ethnic, or cultural lines. The Federal Government calls for an end to such reckless and irresponsible rhetoric and urges all stakeholders—both domestic and international—to engage with the facts and support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace.
Nigeria, like many nations around the world, faces significant security challenges, including acts of terrorism and criminality. However, these challenges are not confined to any single religious or ethnic group. Terrorist groups, such as Boko Haram and other criminal elements, target Nigerians of all backgrounds—Muslims, Christians, and those who do not adhere to any religion—based solely on their rejection of the terrorists’ violent and extremist ideologies. The Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, and to ensuring that the nation’s security forces continue their relentless efforts to degrade terrorist networks and restore peace across the country.
The Complexity of Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Nigeria’s security landscape is complex, shaped by a combination of historical, social, economic, and geopolitical factors. The country has faced significant challenges from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other criminal elements, including bandits and kidnappers. These groups exploit vulnerabilities such as poverty, unemployment, and ungoverned spaces to perpetrate violence. However, their actions are not driven by a coherent religious agenda but by a desire for power, control, and destabilization.
To suggest that these groups are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians is to ignore the broader reality of their indiscriminate violence. For example, Boko Haram, one of the most notorious terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, has repeatedly targeted Muslim communities, including mosques, Islamic scholars, and civilians who oppose their extremist ideology. The group’s attacks on schools, markets, and villages have claimed the lives of thousands of Nigerians, regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliations. Similarly, criminal banditry in regions such as the Northwest has affected communities of all backgrounds, with no evidence of a targeted campaign against any single group.
The Federal Government acknowledges that Nigeria’s security challenges are significant, but they are not unique. Many countries around the world grapple with terrorism and violent extremism, and Nigeria’s response has been robust, proactive, and multifaceted. The government has invested heavily in strengthening its security architecture, enhancing intelligence capabilities, and fostering collaboration with local and international partners to address these threats. The notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated violence is not only unfounded but also an insult to the sacrifices made by the nation’s security forces and the progress achieved in recent years.
Significant Achievements in Counter-Terrorism Efforts
The Federal Government’s commitment to combating terrorism and securing the lives and property of all Nigerians is unwavering. Since May 2023, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s security forces have recorded remarkable successes in their efforts to neutralize terrorist threats and restore stability. Between May 2023 and February 2025, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals have been neutralized in military operations across the country. These operations have also led to the rescue of nearly 10,000 hostages, demonstrating the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy.
One of the most significant achievements in recent months was the capture of key leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate. In a well-coordinated counter-terrorism operation, security forces apprehended Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas, or Mukhtar, the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, along with his deputy and proclaimed Chief of Staff, Mahmud al-Nigeri, also known as Mallam Mamuda. These high-profile arrests represent a major blow to the terrorist group’s leadership and operational capabilities, underscoring the determination and professionalism of Nigeria’s security forces.
These successes are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, sustained effort to degrade terrorist networks and restore peace to affected regions. The Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante groups, have conducted numerous operations targeting terrorist strongholds, disrupting their supply lines, and dismantling their financial networks. These efforts have significantly weakened groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, which once controlled large swathes of territory in Northeast Nigeria.
In addition to kinetic operations, the Federal Government has prioritized non-military approaches to counter-terrorism, including deradicalization programs, community engagement, and efforts to address the root causes of extremism, such as poverty and lack of education. These initiatives reflect Nigeria’s holistic approach to security, which combines military action with long-term strategies for peacebuilding and development.
A Commitment to Justice and Accountability
The Federal Government is also committed to ensuring accountability within its security forces. The Nigerian Armed Forces and Police have conducted several court martials and prosecutions to hold their personnel accountable for any misconduct or violations of human rights. These processes demonstrate the government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and maintaining discipline within its security agencies. By addressing allegations of misconduct transparently, Nigeria is setting a standard for accountability that strengthens public trust in its institutions.
Furthermore, Nigeria has made significant strides in prosecuting individuals involved in terrorism. To date, the country has successfully prosecuted seven batches of Boko Haram suspects, securing over 700 convictions. The government is currently preparing for its eighth prosecution cycle, which will further demonstrate its resolve to hold terrorists and their sponsors accountable. These legal efforts are complemented by international cooperation, as Nigeria works with global partners to disrupt terrorist financing, share intelligence, and strengthen border security.
Nigeria’s Religious Diversity and Inclusivity
Nigeria is a vibrant, multi-religious nation with large populations of both Muslims and Christians, as well as adherents of traditional religions and other faiths. The country is home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the world, alongside some of the largest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation globally. This diversity is a source of strength and resilience, and Nigeria’s leaders have consistently worked to promote interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Contrary to the false claims of religious persecution, Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria. The inclusivity of Nigeria’s national leadership is evident in the fact that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force are Christians. This reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their faith, have equal opportunities to contribute to the nation’s development and security.
Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith harmony is further exemplified by the work of individuals and organizations dedicated to fostering peace across religious divides. In March 2025, two Nigerian religious leaders, Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, were awarded the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize. Their decades-long efforts to promote trust, tolerance, and reconciliation between Christians and Muslims have not only transformed communities in Nigeria but also served as a model for peacebuilding in all 56 Commonwealth countries.
This recognition highlights Nigeria’s role as a global leader in interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution. Far from being a nation plagued by religious genocide, Nigeria is exporting proven frameworks for peace and coexistence to the world. The success of initiatives like the Interfaith Mediation Centre demonstrates that Nigeria’s story is one of resilience, unity, and a shared commitment to overcoming challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
A Call for Responsible Reporting
The Federal Government urges international media, commentators, and influencers to exercise responsibility and respect for facts when reporting on Nigeria’s security challenges. Sensationalist narratives that misrepresent the situation in Nigeria not only undermine the country’s efforts to combat terrorism but also risk fueling division and mistrust among its people. The government calls on all stakeholders to avoid ignorance, exaggeration, and divisive rhetoric and instead support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address terrorism and criminality.
The international community has a critical role to play in supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. Through partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and regional bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria has strengthened its capacity to address the global threat of terrorism. These collaborations have facilitated the sharing of intelligence, training of security personnel, and provision of humanitarian assistance to communities affected by violence.
The Federal Government also acknowledges the contributions of local communities, civil society organizations, and religious leaders in promoting peace and stability. By working together, Nigerians have demonstrated their resilience and determination to overcome the challenges posed by terrorism and criminality. The government remains committed to supporting these grassroots efforts and ensuring that all Nigerians can live in safety and dignity.
President Tinubu’s Vision for a Secure and United Nigeria
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government is pursuing a comprehensive agenda to enhance security, uphold justice, and promote national unity. This agenda includes investments in modernizing the security forces, improving intelligence-gathering capabilities, and addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to insecurity. The government is also working to strengthen institutions, promote good governance, and ensure that all Nigerians have access to opportunities for growth and development.
President Tinubu’s administration is committed to building a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, can thrive in an environment of peace and security. This vision is rooted in the principles of inclusivity, fairness, and justice, and it guides the government’s efforts to address the challenges facing the nation.
Conclusion: A Nation of Resilience and Unity
The narrative of religious genocide in Nigeria is a distortion of reality that does not reflect the country’s true story. Nigeria is a nation of resilience, diversity, and hope, where people of all faiths and backgrounds are working together to build a brighter future. The Federal Government’s efforts to combat terrorism, promote interfaith harmony, and uphold justice are yielding tangible results, as evidenced by the neutralization of thousands of terrorists, the rescue of hostages, and the prosecution of suspects.
Nigeria’s contributions to global peacebuilding, exemplified by the work of leaders like Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, demonstrate the country’s commitment to fostering unity and understanding across religious divides. As Nigeria continues to address its security challenges, it calls on the international community to support its efforts with accurate, responsible, and constructive engagement.
The Federal Government remains steadfast in its duty to protect all Nigerians and ensure that the nation’s diversity remains a source of strength. Together, we will overcome the challenges of terrorism and criminality and build a Nigeria that is secure, prosperous, and united.
