FG Dismisses Allegations of Religious Genocide in Nigeria

The Federal Government has rejected reports claiming that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted in what some foreign officials have described as religious genocide.

It stated that such reports do not reflect the real causes of the country’s security challenges.During an interview with CNN on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria continues to uphold religious freedom and peaceful coexistence among its citizens despite ongoing battles against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violence.

Idris explained that the claims by some officials from the United States were based on inaccurate information and wrong assumptions. He said criminal and terrorist groups in Nigeria attack both Christians and Muslims, especially in the northern region, where most violent incidents occur.

He warned that presenting Nigeria’s insecurity as a religious conflict could create division and fuel tension among citizens. The minister maintained that the nation’s Constitution protects freedom of worship, adding that the country cannot be described as intolerant or unsafe for any religious group.

According to Idris, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is taking new steps to address insecurity through military operations and developmental efforts.

He said the government has been investing in modern equipment for the armed forces and creating programmes aimed at tackling poverty and unemployment, which often contribute to unrest.

He added that recent appointments of new service chiefs were part of efforts to improve security coordination and strengthen the nation’s response to emerging threats.

For over a decade, Nigeria has been battling insurgency, bandit attacks, and separatist activities across different regions. The government insists these problems are rooted in political, economic, and ethnic issues, not religion.

Previous administrations have also denied allegations of targeted attacks on Christians, maintaining that both major faith groups have suffered from terrorism and insecurity.

Idris urged international partners to verify their information before making conclusions and to support Nigeria’s efforts in restoring peace rather than spreading narratives that could deepen division.