In a press statement issued on Sunday, September 28, 2025, by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government condemned the portrayal of Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group.

The statement emphasized that Nigeria’s security issues are complex and not confined to any specific religious or ethnic community. 

“Terrorists target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith—Muslims, Christians, and those of no religion have all suffered,” it read. 

The government accused those spreading such narratives of oversimplifying the situation and fueling division, which plays into the hands of terrorists seeking to sow discord.

Highlighting its commitment to combating terrorism, the government noted significant progress, including the neutralization of over 13,543 terrorists and criminals and the rescue of nearly 10,000 hostages between May 2023 and February 2025. 

It also cited the recent capture of key leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, including Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), in a coordinated counter-terrorism operation.

The statement reflected Nigeria’s inclusive leadership, pointing out that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians, refuting claims of marginalization. 

It also highlighted the country’s strides in prosecuting Boko Haram suspects, with over 700 convictions across seven prosecution cycles and an eighth cycle underway. 

The Nigerian Armed Forces and Police have further demonstrated accountability through court martials and prosecutions to address misconduct.

Nigeria, described as a multi-religious state with significant Muslim and Christian populations, was celebrated for its diversity and commitment to peaceful coexistence. 

The statement referenced the March 2025 Commonwealth Peace Prize awarded to Nigerian interfaith leaders Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa for their work in promoting trust and tolerance, which now serves as a global model for peacebuilding.

The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, reaffirmed its dedication to protecting all Nigerians and working with international partners to combat terrorism. 

It urged the international media and commentators to report responsibly, avoid sensationalism, and support Nigeria’s efforts to tackle terrorism and criminality. 

“Nigeria’s story is one of resilience, diversity, and a globally acknowledged commitment to peaceful coexistence,” the statement concluded.