Monday, November 10, 2025 - The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has firmly rejected the labeling of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by former U.S. President Donald Trump
The council described the claim of “Christian genocide” in
the country as a dangerous foreign propaganda aimed at destabilising Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, the National Secretary of the
Council, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said the genocide narrative being peddled by the
US government and far-right lobbyists is false, politically motivated, and
targeted at inciting religious division in Africa’s most populous nation.
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 k!ll 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 Islamic Council 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 Council 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 k!llings 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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