Presidency Defends Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Record Amid U.S. Genocide Allegation

The Presidency has defended Nigeria’s counter-terrorism record following fresh allegations by U.S. President Donald Trump accusing the country of committing genocide against Christians.

In an update released Sunday via its verified X handle, the Nigerian government outlined key achievements in its fight against terrorism, including major arrests, convictions, and a sharp decline in terror-related deaths since 2023.

The statement comes amid renewed diplomatic tensions after the U.S. redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and threatened sanctions, citing alleged persecution of Christians.

Rejecting the claim, the Presidency maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges stem from a complex mix of terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, not religious persecution. It emphasized that victims of violence cut across faiths and regions, and urged international partners, including the U.S., to continue supporting Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.

Reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s stance that “the security of Nigeria is non-negotiable,” the government said improved coordination among security agencies has enhanced operations against insurgent groups.

According to the update, since 2024, more than 124 terrorists and insurgents have been convicted, while several others, including leaders of Ansaru and suspects linked to the 2022 Owo church massacre and Yelwata reprisal killings, are currently facing trial.

The Presidency highlighted intensified operations such as joint-task deployments, reinforced border patrols, expanded intelligence sharing with foreign partners, and sustained military presence in high-risk zones.

It noted that terror-related fatalities have dropped by 81% since 2015, crediting this to stronger counter-terrorism campaigns and closer community engagement. Over 13,000 terrorists were neutralized in the past year, while about 124,000 fighters and their families surrendered to authorities.

The government also disclosed that more than 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned home, with reconstruction ongoing in liberated areas under a new Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict.

Despite these gains, the Presidency called for continued global cooperation to dismantle cross-border terror networks.

President Trump had, nine days earlier, accused Nigeria of allowing the mass killing of Christians, declaring:

> “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I hereby make Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’, but that is the least of it.”


However, the Nigerian government insists that the crisis is not faith-based and that it remains committed to ensuring peace and security for all citizens.