FG Denies Claims of Christian Marginalisation, Says Security Threats Affect All Nigerians

The Federal Government has dismissed allegations circulating on international media platforms that Christians in Nigeria are facing systematic persecution or genocide.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive,” stressing that they represent a “gross misrepresentation of reality.”

“Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is misleading and harmful,” Idris said. “Terrorists attack all who reject their murderous ideology—Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion.”

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s recent counter-terrorism gains, noting that over 13,500 terrorists and criminals have been neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued between May 2023 and February 2025. He also cited the recent capture of top leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU) as evidence of progress.

Idris rejected claims that government negligence is fueling religiously motivated violence, pointing to Nigeria’s inclusive leadership structure. “It is doubtful that critics realise the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians,” he said.

The minister further noted that the Armed Forces have prosecuted seven batches of terrorism suspects, securing over 700 convictions, with the eighth cycle ongoing. He said these actions prove Nigeria’s commitment to accountability and justice.

Reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s stance, Idris said the administration is committed to “upholding justice and enhancing security” while maintaining Nigeria’s tradition of religious diversity and interfaith cooperation.

He cited the Commonwealth Peace Prize recently awarded to Nigerian religious leaders Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa for their decades of interfaith peacebuilding as global recognition of Nigeria’s efforts.

“Nigeria is a multi-religious state with thriving Christian and Muslim populations,” Idris concluded. “Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalised. We call on international observers to avoid sensationalism and support Nigeria’s efforts against terrorism and criminality.”