The Federal Government has dismissed allegations of an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria, describing the claims as false, misleading, and harmful to the country’s international reputation.In a statement on Thursday, government officials said the narrative of targeted religious extermination is being pushed by individuals and groups with ulterior motives, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges affect citizens across religious and ethnic lines.
According to the government, recent reports circulating on social media and in some foreign outlets misrepresent isolated attacks by criminal and extremist groups as part of a coordinated campaign against Christians. Authorities stressed that such portrayals not only distort the realities on the ground but also undermine efforts to foster national unity.
The government reiterated that security agencies are working to combat terrorism, banditry, and communal violence in all parts of the country, and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims that could inflame religious tensions.
While acknowledging the suffering of victims of violence, officials maintained that the conflict is driven primarily by criminality and insurgency—not religious persecution. They called on international partners and media organizations to rely on verified data and support Nigeria’s efforts to address insecurity.