The Nigerian Government has strongly condemned and dismissed recent claims by some international platforms and online commentators alleging that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians.
In a statement on Sunday, the government described the allegations as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive,” stressing that they misrepresent Nigeria’s security realities and risk fuelling religious and ethnic tensions.
Press Statement
FG Refutes False Claims of Religious Genocide in Nigeria
The Federal Government strongly condemns and categorically refutes recent allegations by certain international platforms and online influencers suggesting that terrorists operating in Nigeria are… pic.twitter.com/TrYv1IYhrr
— Mohammed Idris, FNIPR (@HMMohammedIdris) September 28, 2025
According to the statement, Nigeria’s security challenges though serious cannot be reduced to a deliberate campaign against one faith. “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,” it said.
The Federal Government highlighted progress in counter-terrorism efforts, noting that between May 2023 and February 2025, more than 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised, while nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued in various military operations nationwide.
It added that the recent capture of top leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, underscored the effectiveness of ongoing military campaigns.
Rejecting the idea that Nigeria tolerates religiously motivated terrorism, the government pointed out that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from terrorist violence. It also stressed Nigeria’s inclusivity, citing that the current heads of the Armed Forces and Police are Christians, while the country remains home to some of the world’s largest Muslim and Christian communities.
On accountability, the statement noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police have conducted court martials and prosecutions to discipline erring officers, while also successfully prosecuting over 700 Boko Haram suspects in seven batches, with preparations ongoing for an eighth round of prosecutions.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Federal Government vowed to continue protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians irrespective of religion or ethnicity, while working with international partners to address the global threat of terrorism.
