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| Mohammed Idris. |
The Federal Government stated yesterday that the ongoing acts of terrorism and other security challenges in the troubled regions of Northern Nigeria are not rooted in religious motives.
It emphasised that the claims suggesting that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians are “false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.”
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, asserted that presenting the nation’s security issues as a deliberate attack on one religious group “is a gross misrepresentation of reality.”
Additionally, yesterday, former Presidential aide Reno Omokri disputed a statement made by popular United States (U.S.) political talk show host, Mr Bill Maher, who claimed that Christians are being specifically targeted and killed in Nigeria.
Idris further explained that such claims tend to oversimplify a complex and multifaceted situation, and “plays into the hands of terrorists and criminals who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines.”
In his statement, Idris noted that terrorist attacks in Nigeria are not confined to any particular religious or ethnic community, stressing that the perpetrators attack “all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith.”
He explained, “Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands.”
The Minister stated that the government has taken decisive action, revealing that between May 2023 and last February, 13,543 terrorists and criminals were eliminated and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued in a series of operations nationwide.
He added that the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), which is Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, was apprehended last month during a coordinated counter-terrorism operation.
According to the Minister, those arrested included Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), identified as the group’s self-declared Emir, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (also known as Mallam Mamuda), described as Abu Bara’a’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy.
He stated that these “feats underscore the determination and success of our security forces and expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism.”
Idris also referenced the importance of accountability, stating that the Armed Forces and the Police have carried out court-martials and prosecuted officials found guilty of misconduct.
He added that “discipline and adherence to the rule of law within our security agencies” are never compromised.
The Minister highlighted judicial action taken against extremist groups, pointing out that several rounds of Boko Haram suspects have been tried in court, resulting in more than 700 convictions, with an eighth phase of prosecution currently ongoing.
He stated: “Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, our administration remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding justice and enhancing security.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s religious plurality, Idris characterised the country as a multi-religious nation with significant populations of both Christians and Muslims.
He noted that Nigeria is “home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the world, alongside some of the biggest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation globally.”
Idris stated that “Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalised in Nigeria,” further explaining that “the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians.”
The Minister stressed that this composition serves as evidence of inclusivity within the nation’s leadership.
He remarked that the Federal Government continues to collaborate with international partners to tackle the global aspects of terrorism and affirmed that it is “unwavering in its commitment to completely degrading terrorist groups and securing the lives and property of all citizens.”
Referring to Nigeria’s “resilience, diversity and global acknowledgement of its commitment to peaceful coexistence,” he mentioned the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded in March to Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre in Nigeria.
He said their many years of dedication now stand as a benchmark for peacebuilding across 56 Commonwealth nations, demonstrating that Nigeria is setting an example in promoting tolerance and “proven frameworks for interfaith harmony.”
Idris denounced the sensational portrayal of Nigeria’s security challenges and urged international media and commentators to “act with responsibility and have respect for facts,” to avoid “ignorance and divisive rhetoric,” and to support efforts in combating terrorism and criminality.
He concluded: “The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide or persecution. It is a story of a nation confronting terror with resolve, prosecuting offenders under the law, and strengthening the bonds of unity among its diverse people.”
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