Massad Boulos, senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African affairs, has dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, stating that Boko Haram has killed more Muslims than Christians in its attacks.
Gatekeepers News reports that Boulos made this known on Friday in an interview after meeting with President Bola Tinubu on the sidelines of the 2025 Aqaba Process Summit held in Rome, Italy.
According to him, terrorism transcends religion, ethnicity, and tribe, stressing the need for a collective and coordinated response.
Boulos said, “Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour and no religion and no tribe. People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts, but it’s very unfortunate.”
He added, “We even know that Boko Haram and ISIS are killing more Muslims than Christians. People are suffering from all sorts of backgrounds. This is not specifically targeted about one group or the other.”
His remarks came amid calls by a U.S. lawmaker urging sanctions on Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians and proposing the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern (CPC).’
Boulos emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria to combat terrorism and safeguard civilian lives.
He said, “Any loss of life is one too many, and we should work together in partnership to put an end to this.”
While acknowledging that parts of Nigeria’s North Central region have suffered deadly attacks with Christian casualties, he maintained that the violence is not directed at any specific group.
He further described Nigeria as a diverse nation where multiple ethnic and religious groups coexist, noting that recent security measures under the Tinubu administration are beginning to yield positive outcomes.
Boulos reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security and counterterrorism efforts.
The Aqaba Process Summit, hosted by Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, gathered heads of state, defence ministers, and regional partners to strengthen international cooperation on security in West Africa and the Sahel.
