Nigeria rejects Christian genocide claims, stressing ongoing national security efforts and unified anti-terror measures.
The Nigerian Government has rejected Christian Genocide Claims in the wake of international commentary, insisting that recent attacks across several states target citizens of all faiths.
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Senior officials in Abuja said national security remains a collective responsibility involving the government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and communities across the country.
The official reiterated that the protection of lives and property is the primary duty of government and that anti-terror operations are being executed with intensity, even though sensitive strategies cannot be disclosed publicly.
He noted that the insecurity challenge was inherited, emphasising that the administration has already recorded significant progress but requires sustained cooperation from all Nigerians.
Responding to recent remarks by former United States President Donald Trump, the official said the uproar stemmed from a misinterpretation of the violence in Nigeria, amplified by what he described as inadequate information and deliberate falsehood.
He stressed that the government finds the genocide narrative deeply misleading, explaining that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of banditry.
He described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a unifying figure with strong ties across faiths, referencing the President’s Christian spouse, Christian and Muslim children, and longstanding relationships with prominent church leaders including Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Pastor Tunde Bakare and Bishop Stephen Adegbite.
Addressing claims attributed to the Christian Association of Nigeria, the official argued that the term genocide is being misused and accused some critics of attempting to undermine the administration’s rising performance.
He pointed to past incidents in other regions, including attacks perpetrated by groups of shared faith, as evidence that Nigeria’s violence should not be reduced to religious narratives.
The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is collaborating closely with the Executive on security reforms.
Committees investigating recurring violence, including one chaired by the official in Plateau State, have received memoranda from stakeholders and are preparing a security summit.
Their final report will be submitted to the House and ultimately to the President.
He also commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her humanitarian interventions, including visits to affected communities and personal relief donations.
The official dismissed allegations of targeted attacks on Christians, citing the recent abduction of Muslim schoolgirls in Kebbi State as an example of non-discriminatory criminal activity.
He criticised political actors who portray the nation as devoid of progress despite clear signs of economic and social improvement.
He urged the opposition to embrace responsible criticism rather than what he called attempts to “give the proverbial dog a bad name so it can be hanged.”
When asked if rising insecurity may be politically motivated, the official said he strongly believes some actors are attempting to sabotage the government’s achievements.
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He warned that anyone involved would face the full force of the law, insisting that President Tinubu remains determined to build a safer country and a brighter future.
