Supreme Council for Islamic affairs addresses genocide claims in Nigeria

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has urged caution and impartiality in responding to recent allegations on international platforms and social media suggesting a genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

In a statement released by Deputy National Legal Adviser, Imam Haroun Muhammad Eze, the council expressed gratitude for the rebuttals from various government agencies and concerned groups, which were prompted by a sense of duty and patriotism to combat the negative false narratives propagated by foreign interests. They called for measured and balanced responses.

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The council also warned individuals they described as Nigerians with ulterior motives, who spread these harmful narratives against their own country, to refrain from doing so, as it supports foreign agendas.

Referencing accurate reports from several U.S. agencies, the council highlighted a 2023 U.S. State Department Report on International Religious Freedom, which noted that “terrorists, bandits, and armed criminal groups target mosques and churches indiscriminately in Nigeria.” The report indicated that in the first half of 2025, there were numerous killings by terrorists and bandits in predominantly Muslim Northern Nigeria, leading to widespread displacement and urgent humanitarian needs.

Additionally, the council pointed out that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2025 Annual Report also acknowledges attacks on both religious groups.

The council emphasizes the importance of applying fairness and balance in national matters to prevent unjust victimization of all Nigerians. They affirmed their commitment to a united Nigeria and their determination to uphold this vision, even amidst significant challenges.