In recent weeks, Nigeria’s handling of international criticism over religious persecution has sparked global concern. The Federal Government reportedly rejected the United States’ assertions that Christians in Nigeria face targeted attacks, dismissing the claims as “based on faulty data.” (DW, 2025)
(DW, 2025)
Similarly, in coverage by The Guardian Nigeria, the government again downplayed concerns raised by Western governments over alleged targeted killings of Christians, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges were non-religious.
(The Guardian Nigeria, 2025)
Observers have noted that these repeated denials contradict past admissions and risk eroding the moral standing of Nigeria in the global community, especially among human-rights and faith-freedom advocates.
It has been observed with deep concern that the Federal Government of Nigeria continues to issue conflicting statements regarding the persecution of Christians in the country. While past official reports confirmed that terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) have deliberately targeted Christian communities, more recent declarations have denied that Christians are being persecuted.
In February 2020, the Federal Government openly acknowledged that “terrorists are now targeting Christians”, following a series of attacks on churches, clergy, and Christian villages across northern Nigeria.
(Punch Newspapers, 2020)
However, a more recent statement credited to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, categorically dismissed claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, describing the ongoing crisis merely as “general insecurity” and “terrorism without religious bias.”
(Punch, 2025)
This contradiction in government communication has been described as troubling and misleading, as it undermines the credibility of the administration’s counter-terrorism efforts and downplays the real pain experienced by Christian communities.
Call for a U-Turn in Government Narrative
It is therefore being urged that the Federal Government make a necessary U-turn — by admitting publicly that terrorists such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have indeed been targeting Christians in Nigeria. Such acknowledgement is essential for truth, transparency, and effective national security management.
The following reasons have been highlighted for this urgent change in approach:
1. Integrity and Credibility in Governance:
A government’s moral authority depends on its ability to face facts honestly. By denying a clear pattern of religiously-motivated attacks, the state risks losing domestic and international trust.
2. Fair Protection for All Citizens:
While terrorism affects both Muslims and Christians, faith-based targeting of Christians has been repeatedly documented by independent observers and international human-rights organisations. Recognising this reality does not divide the nation, it ensures equal protection for all.
3. Effective Counter-Terrorism Strategy:
Failure to acknowledge the religious motive behind certain attacks allows terrorists to continue exploiting religious identity to fuel conflict. Clear recognition of Christian-targeted violence enables a more accurate security response.
4. National Unity and Healing:
Honest acknowledgment of all victims, Muslims, Christians, and others, is crucial for reconciliation and peace-building. Denial of persecution deepens resentment and weakens social cohesion.
Recommendations to the Federal Government
To restore public confidence and strengthen security coordination, the following steps are being recommended:
1. Official Acknowledgement:
An official statement should be issued admitting that terrorist organisations have deliberately targeted Christian communities in certain areas of the country.
2. Independent Documentation:
A fact-finding commission should be constituted to investigate and document faith-based attacks, including church burnings, abductions of clergy, and killings of Christian worshippers.
3. Faith-Sensitive Security Measures:
Special protection should be provided for churches, pastors, and Christian settlements in vulnerable zones. Collaboration with faith-leaders in intelligence gathering and community protection should be prioritised.
4. Transparency in Reporting:
Security agencies should be instructed to capture and publish data reflecting the religious identities of victims in order to enhance accuracy and accountability in national security reports.
5. Support for Victims:
Government-funded programmes should be designed to rebuild destroyed churches, provide trauma care, and offer relief to affected Christian families while ensuring that other faith groups receive equal consideration.
A Word to the Government
Mr President, Hon Ministers, Service Chiefs: Your mandate is to protect all Nigerians. When you deny part of the problem, you weaken your capacity to deliver on that mandate. A U-turn now, a frank, public admission of Christian-targeted terrorism, will not be a display of weakness: it will be a display of courage, leadership and commitment to all citizens.
A Word to the Christian Community
To my fellow Christians: do not lose hope. Our suffering is seen by God, and borne by many. But let us not fall into despair, blame or victim-mentality. Instead, let us press for truth, stand for justice, and work for reconciliation. Let us also continue to love our neighbours, regardless of faith, even while we ask for our rights to be recognised and protected.
In conclusion, the time has come for the Federal Government of Nigeria to make a clear and courageous U-turn, to speak the truth and acknowledge that terrorists such as Boko Haram have been deliberately targeting Christians. Doing so would not only demonstrate transparency and compassion but also pave the way for a fair, balanced, and effective counter-terrorism strategy
Nigeria’s progress and peace depend on justice, honesty, and equal protection under the law. Only by facing the truth can national unity and security be truly restored. Thus, I stand ready to partner in any initiative, public or private, that seeks to document, prevent and respond to these attacks. Let our prayers be matched by our actions; let our convictions be matched by our courage. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and may God bless the United States of America.
Issued by:
Nuhu Agum, PMACO
Office of Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Former Presidential Candidate
