The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has firmly rejected the classification of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The NSCIA condemned the allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing them as a dangerous foreign propaganda effort designed to destabilize the nation.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, the NSCIA National Secretary, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated that the genocide narrative promoted by the U.S. government and far-right lobbyists is false, politically driven, and intended to fuel religious tension in Africa’s most populous country.
According to him, there is no evidence to support claims that Nigerian Muslims are persecuting Christians. The Muslim Ummah clarified that the insecurity ravaging the country is caused by terrorism, criminality, poverty, and the effects of climate change, which have displaced communities and triggered violent clashes over resources.
“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. Both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorists and criminal gangs,” Oloyede stated. “These attackers do not represent Islam. They kill Muslims, destroy mosques, and target everyone.”
He cited independent investigations, including findings by Amnesty International and global conflict monitors, which concluded that violence in Nigeria does not meet the legal definition of genocide under international law.
Oloyede further claimed that the renewed push to label Nigeria a religious-persecution zone intensified after Nigeria reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution in Palestine at the United Nations. He alleged that pro-Israeli and far-right groups are driving the narrative to divert attention from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The agenda is distraction and destabilisation. The fastest way to break Nigeria is to inflame religious tensions,” he warned.
The NSCIA called on Nigerians, both Christian and Muslim, to reject foreign interference and resist attempts to turn genuine security challenges into sectarian conflict.
Oloyede urged the US to withdraw its statement and instead support Nigeria with intelligence and logistical aid to combat terrorism.
“We will not allow foreign interests to fragment Nigeria. We stand for unity, peace, and justice,” he concluded.
The NSCIA also appealed to the Nigerian government to strengthen security, expose sponsors of banditry, and protect all citizens regardless of faith.
Recall that President Trump threatened military action on Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
Trump’s comment came after he had earlier designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
However, the Nigerian government in several responses had rejected Trump’s Trump has rather called on the US and others to fight insecurity in the country.
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