The Federal Government has declared that terrorist groups in Nigeria target people of all faiths, directly rejecting what it labels a false narrative of religious genocide being propagated by foreign media.
The government condemned the allegations as baseless and divisive, asserting that they oversimplify the country’s complex security situation.
The statement strongly refuted recent claims that terrorists are engaged in a systematic campaign against Christians. It argued that portraying Nigeria’s security challenges in this light is a gross misrepresentation of reality. The government emphasised that these violent acts are perpetrated by criminals whose ideology is opposed by people of all creeds.
In a press release dated Sunday, 28th September 2025, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated, “The Federal Government strongly condemns and categorically refutes recent allegations by certain international platforms and online influencers suggesting that terrorists operating in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians. Such claims are false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.” He further explained that “Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality.”
The government detailed that the violent activities of terrorist groups are not confined to any particular community. “These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith,” the statement read. “Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands.”
To underscore its commitment, the Federal Government highlighted the significant successes of its security forces. It was revealed that between May 2023 and February 2025 alone, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals were neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages were rescued in multiple military operations across the country. Furthermore, the recent capture of the top leadership of the terrorist group ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, was cited as a key achievement.
The statement also pointed to the inclusivity of the nation’s leadership as evidence against the genocide claims, noting that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians. It affirmed that “Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria.”
The government concluded by urging international commentators to act responsibly. “We urge the international media and other commentators to act with responsibility and have respect for facts,” the Minister said. All stakeholders were advised to “avoid ignorance, sensationalism, and divisive rhetoric, and instead support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in the fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality.”
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