FG engages U.S. over ‘Christian Genocide’ tag, rejects claim as inaccurate — Minister
The Federal Government says it is holding high-level talks with the United States following Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian genocide.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, dismissed the accusation as misleading and dangerous, insisting that Nigeria’s security crisis is not a coordinated campaign against any religious group.
Idris said President Bola Tinubu is deeply troubled by the loss of lives across communities and views the protection of citizens as his top responsibility. He acknowledged that killings occur in parts of the country but maintained they do not amount to a state-sponsored effort to eliminate Christians.
He pointed to the religious diversity in Tinubu’s administration including the First Lady, the SGF, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the DG of the DSS —all of whom are Christians. “I don’t see how anybody will give orders to go and kill Christians. Who gives these orders?” he asked.
Idris said Nigeria has grappled with extremist violence for 16 years, with jihadist groups attacking both Muslims and Christians in mosques, churches and rural communities. He attributed recent violence in Benue, Plateau and other middle-belt areas to a mix of religious tension, economic stress, communal clashes and criminality.
The minister also claimed security agencies have recorded significant gains, stating that more than 13,500 terrorists and bandits have been neutralized since May 2023, while over 17,000 suspects have been arrested. Several masterminds of past attacks, including prominent Ansaru commanders, have been convicted, he added.
Responding to criticisms that the government is not doing enough, Idris highlighted Tinubu’s overhaul of the security leadership and adjustments in strategy. He questioned the “curious” timing of increased attacks, noting that the spike coincided with the U.S. designation and Nigerian officials’ arrival in Washington for talks.
He confirmed that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu is in Washington leading discussions with U.S. officials on security and diplomacy, stressing that relations between both countries remain intact. “We are open to cooperation with anyone who wants to help bring this crisis to an end,” he said.
However, Idris emphasized that Nigeria will not accept foreign troops or unilateral military action on its territory. He urged Nigerians to protect national unity and avoid narratives that could worsen divisions.
The minister added that President Tinubu remains open to a White House visit when the timing is appropriate.
