The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has dismissed the claim pushed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who listed Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”.
The body said the allegation of “Christian genocide” is a foreign-driven falsehood designed to fuel unrest at home.
At a briefing in Abuja, on Sunday, the 9th of November, 2025, National Secretary of the Council, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated that the genocide claim, promoted by the US and far-right elements, is untrue, politically charged, and aimed at creating friction among Nigerians.
He explained that there is no credible proof that Muslims in Nigeria are oppressing Christians. According to the Council, the wave of killings and destruction across the country is tied to terrorism, poverty, criminal networks, and climate-related displacement that has forced communities into conflict over land and resources.
“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. Both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorists and criminal gangs,” Oloyede said.
“These attackers do not represent Islam. They kill Muslims, destroy mosques, and target everyone.”
He referenced reports from Amnesty International and other conflict-tracking organisations which indicate that Nigeria’s crisis does not qualify as genocide under international standards.
Oloyede further alleged that the push to brand Nigeria as a religious-persecution hotspot grew stronger after the country supported a two-state resolution for Palestine at the United Nations. He said pro-Israeli platforms and hard-right groups are trying to shift attention away from the tragedy unfolding in Gaza.
“The agenda is distraction and destabilisation. The fastest way to break Nigeria is to inflame religious tensions,” he cautioned.
The Council urged citizens across religious lines to ignore foreign narratives and refuse any attempt to turn insecurity into a Christian-versus-Muslim confrontation.
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Oloyede advised the United States government to reverse its statement and focus on intelligence sharing and operational support that can help Nigeria defeat terror groups.
“We will not allow foreign interests to fragment Nigeria. We stand for unity, peace, and justice,” he added.
The NSCIA also appealed to authorities to improve security operations, unmask financiers of terrorism and banditry, and protect every community without bias.
Trump had earlier threatened military action over alleged attacks on Christians, after naming Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”.
The Nigerian government rejected the idea at the time and maintained that all citizens are victims of insecurity, not just one religious group.