The Federal Government on Wednesday accused foreign lobbyists, particularly in the United States, of orchestrating what it described as a “deliberate and misleading campaign” to portray Nigeria as a country engaged in the persecution of Christians.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the allegation during a media briefing in Abuja, warning that the narrative was designed to tarnish Nigeria’s image globally and misrepresent the nation’s security situation.
Idris claimed intelligence reports linked foreign lobbyists to individuals and groups amplifying claims of religious genocide in Nigeria.
“We have seen a correlation between some lobbyists operating especially in the U.S. and the activities here. Some of the influencers of these criminal activities have direct relationships with lobbyists who are shouting about this issue outside this country,” he said.
His remarks followed the United States’ decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution and mass killings of Christians — a position Nigeria has consistently rejected.
The minister insisted that violence in the country is not driven by religion, stressing that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from insecurity.
“Nigeria faces long-standing security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike. Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian state is failing to act against religious attacks is based on misinformation and faulty data,” Idris stated.
He faulted the U.S. classification, describing it as a product of “misrepresentation and misinformation,” and asserted that no religious group is being systematically targeted.
Highlighting government efforts, Idris disclosed that security forces have “neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists” and arrested over 17,000 suspects since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. He added that over 9,850 abducted victims have been rescued within the period.
> “This administration will continue to engage with the international community and our partners to defeat terrorists and criminals. We are doing the work, and the results are verifiable,” he said.
Idris maintained that government would intensify engagements with international stakeholders to “correct the false narrative” and secure greater support in tackling security threats.
The allegations come amid ongoing diplomatic tension over increasing Western criticisms of Nigeria’s handling of religious-linked violence, and growing debate over the role of foreign lobby groups in shaping global perceptions of domestic crises.
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