Federal Government has accused foreign lobbyists of spreading false claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, made the statement during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the government’s investigation has revealed that certain international actors, particularly in the United States, are deliberately promoting misleading narratives about Nigeria’s security situation.
Mohammed said, “Nigerian government has been able to see a correlation between some of the lobbyists operating especially in the US and the activities here (in Nigeria).”
“Some of the influencers of these activities have direct relationship with lobbyists in the US, who have direct relationship with some of the people shouting about this issue (Christian genocide claims) outside this country.”
Idris explained that while the government acknowledges the impact of insecurity on communities, there is no credible evidence to support allegations of targeted killings against Christians or any other religious groups.
The minister’s comments come after former U.S. President Donald Trump on November 1 redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern (CPC)” over alleged persecution of Christians.
Trump had warned the Nigerian government to stop the purported attacks or face the suspension of all U.S. aid and assistance. He also threatened to deploy the Department of War to confront “the terrorists that attack our cherished Christians.”
Addressing these claims, Idris described the accusations as baseless and rooted in misinformation. He attributed Nigeria’s security challenges to the instability within the wider Sahel region, which has fueled cross-border terrorism and armed violence.
He said, “It is important to restate that the menace of terrorism in Nigeria does not exclusively target any religious or ethnic group.”
“As in many parts of the world, extremism is mindless, blind to religion, tribe, or class. It is a war against all peace-loving Nigerians and against the unity and progress of our great nation.”
He emphasiser that it is inaccurate to claim the Nigerian state has ignored religiously motivated attacks.
Idris said, “Therefore, any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian State is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on misinformation or faulty data.”
The minister further pointed out that both Christians and Muslims serve at the forefront of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
He said, “Several leading personnel of the very dedicated Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country’s intelligence agencies are Christians, working and succeeding alongside their Muslim colleagues in the fight against extremists and criminals waging war against our country and values.”
Idris reaffirmed the government’s willingness to collaborate with international partners in combating terrorism.
He said, “The Government of Nigeria remains open and willing to work closely with the Government of the United States, other friendly nations and partners, to achieve our shared goal — the complete elimination of terrorism on Nigerian soil.”
