The Presidency has defended Nigeria’s counter-terrorism record, outlining major security gains, arrests, and convictions amid renewed diplomatic tension with the United States over allegations of genocide against Christians.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement released on Sunday via its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Presidency detailed the country’s progress in tackling insurgency, banditry, and violent extremism since 2023.
The clarification follows accusations by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who last week accused Nigeria of committing genocide against Christians and announced the country’s redesignation as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” — a move that could trigger sanctions or even military pressure.
Trump claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria”, alleging that “thousands of Christians are being killed by radical Islamists.”
However, Nigerian authorities have strongly rejected the genocide allegation, insisting that the nation’s security challenges stem from a complex mix of terrorism, banditry, and communal violence — not religious persecution.
“The victims of these attacks cut across all faiths and regions,” the Presidency said, calling on international partners, including the U.S., to continue supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s stance that “the security of Nigeria is non-negotiable,” the Presidency said improved inter-agency coordination has enhanced military and intelligence operations against insurgent groups since 2023.
According to the update, security forces have “vigorously pursued, arrested, eliminated, or successfully convicted” extremists linked to some of the country’s most devastating attacks.
It disclosed that since 2024, over 124 terrorists and insurgents have been convicted by Nigerian courts, while several high-profile suspects — including leaders of Ansaru, those implicated in the 2022 Owo church massacre, and the Yelwata reprisal killings in Benue — are currently on trial.
The Presidency also listed operational gains, including:
- Expanded joint-task deployments and reinforced border patrols;
- Permanent security operations in high-risk corridors;
- Enhanced victim compensation programs; and
- Improved intelligence-sharing with international partners.
The statement said terror-related fatalities have declined by 81% compared with 2015, attributing the drop to intensified counter-insurgency campaigns and stronger community engagement.
In addition, it said over 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year, while 124,000 fighters and their dependents surrendered to authorities. The government also reported that 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned home, with reconstruction and rehabilitation projects underway in several liberated areas.
To support recovery, the Federal Government has launched a Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict, aimed at rebuilding communities, supporting livelihoods, and promoting reintegration.
Despite these gains, the Presidency emphasised that global cooperation remains vital, urging international allies to partner with Nigeria in dismantling cross-border terror networks.
The update came just days after the U.S. redesignated Nigeria as a CPC, following lobbying from American and European far-right figures who claimed that a “Christian genocide” was unfolding in the country.
While acknowledging ongoing security challenges, the Nigerian government maintained that Christians are not being targeted, reiterating that extremist violence in Nigeria has affected both Christians and Muslims alike.
