| FG cites capture of Ansaru leaders, 13,500 terrorists killed

Nigeria’s government has strongly rejected allegations circulating in some international media and online platforms that terrorists are waging a campaign of genocide against Christians in the country.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Sunday, described the claims as “false, baseless, despicable and divisive,” warning that such narratives distort reality and risk emboldening extremists.

“Terrorists in Nigeria do not kill in the name of religion—they kill anyone who resists their murderous ideology,” Idris said. “Christians, Muslims, and even those with no religion have all been victims.”

The minister pointed to what he called “undeniable progress” in the fight against terror. Between May 2023 and February 2025, security forces neutralized over 13,543 terrorists and criminals and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages. Just last month, Nigeria captured the top leadership of Ansaru, Al-Qaeda’s local affiliate, including its self-styled Emir, Mahmud Muhammad Usman.

“These achievements expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism,” Idris added.

Rejecting suggestions of Christian persecution, the minister noted that Nigeria is home to some of the world’s largest Pentecostal and Anglican congregations, while the Armed Forces and Police are both currently led by Christians. He also highlighted the March 2025 Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded to Nigerian interfaith leaders Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa as evidence of Nigeria’s global standing in religious harmony.

Idris accused “foreign interlopers” of exploiting Nigeria’s security challenges for sensational headlines. “Nigeria’s story is one of resilience and peaceful coexistence—not genocide,” he said. “We urge the international media to respect facts, avoid divisive rhetoric, and support global counter-terrorism efforts.”