FG Dismisses Allegations Of Religious Genocide, Calls Claims “False and Divisive”
In a world where misinformation can inflame tensions, Nigeria’s Federal Government has strongly refuted claims by some international platforms alleging a systematic genocide against Christians in the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive,” stressing that Nigeria’s security challenges should not be reduced to religious persecution.
He noted that terrorists and criminals target all Nigerians, Christians, Muslims, and those of no faith, without distinction.
Between May 2023 and February 2025, security forces neutralised over 13,500 terrorists and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages.
The recent capture of ANSARU’s top leadership further underscores Nigeria’s resolve to crush extremist groups, the Minister said.
Idris highlighted that Nigeria remains a multi-religious nation, home to one of the largest Muslim populations globally as well as some of the world’s biggest Christian congregations.
He dismissed the genocide narrative as a distortion of reality, pointing instead to Nigeria’s global reputation for interfaith coexistence, evidenced by the recent Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded to two Nigerian religious leaders for decades of peacebuilding.
“The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide,” Idris stated, “but of resilience, diversity, and a proven commitment to peaceful coexistence.”
