The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing them as false, dangerous, and politically motivated.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the Council’s Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said recent allegations by some Western media outlets and foreign political figures formed part of a coordinated campaign to destabilize Nigeria.
Oloyede maintained that the country’s recurring violence stems from criminality, poverty, and climate-induced migration, rather than religious persecution.
“We affirm that in Nigeria, there is no Christian terrorism and no Muslim terrorism. There is no religious intolerance in Nigeria,” Oloyede said. “The Nigerian tragedy is one of poverty, climate change, bad governance over time, and armed criminals who kill indiscriminately—while a section of the world seeks to exploit the situation for geopolitical profit.”
NSCIA reacts to Trump’s remarks
The Council’s statement follows renewed controversy triggered by US President Donald Trump’s recent comments condemning alleged mass killings of Christians in Nigeria. Trump reportedly directed the US Department of War “to prepare for possible action,” warning that any American response would be “fast, vicious, and sweet” if the Nigerian government failed to stop the attacks.
Reacting to those remarks, Oloyede accused Nigerian separatist groups, foreign lobbyists, and US politicians of manipulating Nigeria’s security challenges for personal or political gain.
“These groups push fabricated statistics and doctored videos to influence Western governments, particularly the United States, to take punitive actions against Nigeria,” he said.
“A political tool, not the truth”
The NSCIA Secretary-General also criticized the renewed US designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’, describing it as “a political tool, not a reflection of facts on the ground.”
The Council urged both the Nigerian government and the international community to reject the “false and destabilizing narrative,” calling instead for constructive engagement.
“We urge President Donald Trump to assist Nigeria with intelligence and logistical support rather than engage in smear campaigns,” Oloyede added.
He emphasized that both Muslims and Christians must unite against terrorism and organized crime.
“There is no Muslim terrorism or Christian terrorism in Nigeria—only criminals exploiting our divisions,” he said.
