The Federal Government has accused foreign lobbyists, particularly in the United States, of fueling false narratives about a so-called “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the allegation at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, saying government intelligence had uncovered links between U.S.-based lobby groups and individuals promoting distorted accounts of Nigeria’s security situation.
“The Nigerian government has been able to see a correlation between some of the lobbyists operating, especially in the U.S., and the activities here,” Idris said. “We have seen that some of the influencers of these criminal activities have a direct relationship with lobbyists in the U.S., who have a direct relationship with some of these people who are shouting about this issue outside this country.”
His remarks come amid renewed tensions following the United States’ decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution and attacks on Christians — a position the Nigerian government has strongly rejected.
Idris maintained that while insecurity remains a major challenge, there is no credible evidence of any campaign specifically targeting Christians or any religious group.
“Nigeria faces long-standing security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike,” he said. “Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian state is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on misinformation or faulty data.”
Describing Washington’s position as the result of “misrepresentation and misinformation,” the minister said violent groups operating in Nigeria are driven by criminal and economic motives rather than religion.
Citing progress under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Idris disclosed that security forces have neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists and arrested over 17,000 suspects since May 2023. He added that over 9,850 abducted persons have been rescued and reunited with their families during the same period.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with international partners to combat terrorism and restore peace across the country, but urged foreign observers to rely on verified information rather than politically motivated narratives.
Comments