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| Nigerian government refutes claims of religious genocide. |
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly denied allegations that terrorists are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians in the country. In a September 2025 statement, Information Minister Mohammed Idris called these claims false and harmful to Nigeria's peace .
The government says terrorists attack Nigerians across all faiths, not just Christians. Idris stated that these criminals target all who reject their violent ideas, regardless of religion .
This denial comes amid growing international attention. United States lawmakers are considering legislation that would impose sanctions on Nigerian officials for religious persecution .
Nigeria Points to Security Gains and Inclusive Leadership
The Nigerian government points to recent security operations as proof it is fighting terrorism effectively. Between May 2023 and February 2025, security forces neutralized 13,543 terrorists and criminals . They rescued nearly 10,000 hostages across the country during this period .
Just last month, Nigeria captured the top leadership of Ansaru, an al-Qaeda affiliate group . The government has also secured over 700 convictions in its prosecution of Boko Haram suspects .
Minister Idris emphasized that Nigeria's leadership includes both Christians and Muslims. He noted that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians . He said this shows the inclusivity of Nigeria's leadership.
"Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalised in Nigeria," Idris stated . He believes the country's multi-religious reality proves the genocide narrative is wrong.
Nigeria also points to international recognition of its interfaith work. In March 2025, two Nigerian religious leaders received the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize . Reverend Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa were honored for their work with the Interfaith Mediation Centre .
International Critics Present Starkly Different Picture
United States Senator Ted Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 in September . The bill would protect Christians and other religious minorities from widespread persecution in Nigeria .
"Nigerian Christians are being targeted and executed for their faith by Islamist terrorist groups," Senator Cruz stated . He said it is time to impose costs on Nigerian officials who facilitate these activities .
The legislation would impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials who enable violence against religious minorities . It would also require the State Department to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom .
Some organizations report extremely high numbers of Christian deaths. The International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law said more than 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria in just the first 220 days of 2025 . This equals about 35 killings per day .
Since 2009, extremist groups and armed militias have killed more than 52,000 Christians across Nigeria, according to International Christian Concern . More than 20,000 churches and Christian institutions have been destroyed in the same period .
Source Reported Christian Deaths Time Period Other Data
International Society for Civil Liberties 7,087 Christians killed Jan-Aug 2025 7,800 abductions
International Christian Concern Over 52,000 Christians killed Since 2009 20,000 churches destroyed
Nigerian Government 13,543 terrorists "neutralized" May 2023-Feb 2025 Nearly 10,000 hostages rescued
Specific Incidents and Broader Patterns Cited by Critics
Critics point to specific violent attacks as evidence of systematic targeting of Christians.
On June 13, 2025, more than 200 Christians were killed in a single night by Fulani jihadists in north-central Nigeria . This was just one of many such attacks reported this year.
Over Christmas 2023, more than 200 Christians were killed and 300 wounded in attacks on 21 villages in Plateau State . These attacks destroyed churches and homes while displacing 32,000 residents .
In February 2025, armed militants stormed a village in southern Ebonyi State, killing 16 Christians from The Lord Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry . They also burned homes in the attack.
As recently as March 2025, over 200 Christians were reportedly held hostage in a hidden terrorist camp in Kaduna State . Former hostages described being chained, whipped, and starved by their Fulfulde-speaking captors .
Churches and their leaders appear to be particularly targeted. Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a 45-year-old Catholic priest, was abducted and slain at his rectory at St. Mary's Church in March 2025 . His remains were found the next day.
At least six other Catholic priests were abducted earlier this year, with some still captive . These attacks on religious figures have raised serious concerns about religious freedom.
Some experts question the methodology behind the genocide claims. Political scientist Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos, who specializes in African violence, has raised concerns about the scientific rigor behind some studies .
The group Open Doors, which tracks Christian persecution, estimated Nigeria had 3,731 Christian deaths in 2018 . However, their methods have been questioned. In 2017, the group applied a uniform rate of 30% Christians in predominantly Muslim northern Nigeria . This proportion was arbitrary since Nigeria has not collected public data on religious affiliation since 1963 .
Open Doors also assumed a significant portion of violent deaths in the north were due to religious beliefs . But victims could have been killed for many reasons, including common crime .
The International Committee on Nigeria published a report in 2020 claiming Boko Haram killed 27,000 civilians since 2009 . However, their list of incidents had many problems, including duplicates and mismatched totals . The committee itself acknowledged the difficulty of knowing exact numbers .
Travel Advisories Point to Widespread Violence Risk
Several countries have issued strong travel warnings for Nigeria, though they describe general violence rather than religious-specific threats.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of Nigeria . It warns of a high threat of terrorist attack throughout the country, with attacks potentially occurring anywhere, including places visited by foreigners .
Australia's government advises travelers to reconsider their need to visit Nigeria overall due to the volatile security situation . The warning mentions threats of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest .
Both travel advisories note that terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa are active in Nigeria . They also highlight the high risk of kidnapping throughout the country .
The violence in Nigeria involves multiple armed groups with different motivations.
Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province remain active in northeast Nigeria . These groups attack Nigerians of all faith backgrounds .
Militant Fulani Muslim herders are also a major source of violence . Some experts report they are the greatest threat to Nigeria's Christians, particularly in Middle Belt farming communities .
The Nigerian government has not thoroughly investigated the militant Fulani herders' organization, leadership, or motives . Survivor accounts frequently report attackers shouted "Allahu Akbar" or called victims "infidels" .
Some observers believe the Fulani militants want to take control of Christian lands . A Benue Catholic priest told reporters: "It is all about seizing the lands and changing the demography of Benue State" .
The Fulani are represented by groups like the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association . Some community leaders believe these groups support reestablishing a Fulani empire like the 19th century caliphate in northern Nigeria .
Blasphemy Laws Raise Additional Concerns
Another concern is Nigeria's blasphemy laws. Twelve northern states enforce sharia law, which includes blasphemy provisions . Nigeria's federal government also criminalizes blasphemy nationwide .
These laws have led to mob violence and deaths. Between 2015 and 2023, more than 150 Nigerians were killed in mob actions triggered by blasphemy accusations .
In 2022, Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a Christian student, was lynched by classmates who accused her of insulting Prophet Muhammad . Her murder was captured on video but no one has been prosecuted .
Mubarak Bala, president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, was sentenced in 2022 to 24 years in prison on blasphemy charges . His case shows how blasphemy laws threaten not only Christians but also Muslims and non-believers .
The Nigerian government urges international media and commentators to act responsibly. Minister Idris asked them to avoid sensationalism and divisive rhetoric . Instead, he wants support for Nigeria's ongoing fight against terrorism .
Meanwhile, U.S. legislation could significantly change America's relationship with Nigeria regarding religious freedom. The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 would impose real costs on officials who facilitate violence .
For Nigeria's Christian communities, the situation remains dangerous. Many live daily under the shadow of both extremist violence and blasphemy accusations . They hope for greater recognition of their suffering on the global stage .
The fundamental disagreement continues. Nigeria's government says the story is not one of religious genocide but of resilience and diversity . International critics say the evidence shows a clear pattern of religious persecution .