The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly denied recent allegations circulating on international platforms and among online influencers that terrorists in the country are perpetrating a systematic genocide against Christians. In a firm rebuttal issued today, the government described the claims as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
The statement emphasizes that portraying Nigeria’s complex security situation as a targeted religious campaign is a gross mischaracterization. While acknowledging that the nation continues to grapple with acts of terrorism and criminality, the government insists that victims of such violence span across all religious and ethnic divides.
“Such claims oversimplify a complex, multifaceted security environment and play into the hands of terrorists who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines,” the statement reads.
Officials stressed that terrorist groups in Nigeria, including Boko Haram and its offshoots, have indiscriminately attacked Muslims, Christians, and those of no religious affiliation. According to government figures, over 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralized and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued between May 2023 and February 2025 in various military operations across the country.
Highlighting recent progress in the fight against terrorism, the government revealed that the leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), an Al-Qaeda affiliate operating in Nigeria, was apprehended last month in a coordinated operation. Among those captured were Mahmud Muhammad Usman (alias Abu Bara’a), the group’s self-styled Emir, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri (alias Mallam Mamuda).
“These feats underscore the determination and success of our security forces and expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and accountability, the government also noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police have conducted several court martials and prosecutions to ensure that any misconduct within the ranks is addressed.
The statement further underscores Nigeria’s identity as a multi-religious nation with substantial populations of both Christians and Muslims. It highlights that Nigeria hosts some of the largest Christian denominations in the world and is also home to one of the world’s largest Muslim communities.
“Inclusivity is at the heart of our national leadership,” the government said, noting that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police are Christians.
The Federal Government concluded by reaffirming its resolve to protect all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and to continue collaborating with international partners to combat terrorism in all its forms.
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