The Federal Government has accused foreign lobbyists, particularly those based in the United States, of promoting claims of a so-called “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, alleging that such narratives distort the country’s internal security situation and influence international opinion.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the allegation during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. He said the government’s findings indicate a coordinated effort to misrepresent Nigeria’s security challenges for political or ideological purposes.

“The Nigerian government has observed a connection between certain lobbyists—especially in the U.S.—and individuals involved in criminal activities here,” Idris said. “We have found that some of those promoting this false narrative abroad maintain direct ties with local actors who benefit from the insecurity.”

The statement follows the recent redesignation of Nigeria by the United States as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution and attacks on Christians — a decision the Nigerian government has firmly rejected.

While acknowledging ongoing security challenges across the country, Idris stressed that there is no credible evidence to suggest that any religious group is being deliberately targeted.

“Nigeria’s security issues affect both Christians and Muslims,” he said. “Claims that the Nigerian state tolerates or ignores religiously motivated violence are based on misinformation and flawed data.”

Idris described the U.S. position as “a result of misrepresentation and misinformation,” adding that violent groups operating within Nigeria do not act along religious lines.

Highlighting the government’s counter-terrorism achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Idris said security forces have “neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists” and arrested over 17,000 suspects since May 2023. He also noted that more than 9,850 abducted persons have been rescued and reunited with their families within the same period.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with international partners to eradicate terrorism and other forms of violent crime across Nigeria.