According to a report by The Nation on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, In a firm rebuttal of narratives framing Nigeria’s security crisis along religious lines, the country’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has categorically denied claims that terrorist groups specifically target Christians. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Idris emphasized that such portrayals are not only misleading but also risk inflaming sectarian tensions in a nation where diverse communities have historically coexisted.
The Minister clarified that the violence plaguing parts of Nigeria stems from a complex mix of criminal banditry, insurgency, and economic instability—not religious animosity. He argued that attributing these attacks solely to anti-Christian sentiment misrepresents the reality on the ground and plays directly into the hands of those seeking to destabilize the country. “Characterising it as attacks on Christians will drive Nigeria towards division,” Idris stated. “The criminals want to portray the country as if there is a fight between Christians and Muslims.”
Idris reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the constitutional right to freedom of religion for all citizens, noting that Nigeria’s strength has long been rooted in its diversity and tradition of interfaith harmony. He expressed concern that oversimplified or sensationalized reporting—particularly by international observers—could undermine social cohesion and impede efforts to foster national unity.
The Minister also outlined the Tinubu administration’s renewed strategy to tackle insecurity, which includes enhancing the operational capacity of security forces, improving intelligence-gathering mechanisms, and strengthening collaboration with local communities. These measures, he explained, are designed to address the root causes of violence and ensure the safety of all Nigerians, irrespective of their faith or ethnicity.
In a closing appeal, Idris urged foreign media outlets and commentators to exercise responsibility and accuracy in their coverage of Nigeria’s challenges. Misrepresenting the motives behind terrorist activities, he warned, not only distorts public understanding but also exacerbates polarization at a time when solidarity is most needed. By rejecting divisive narratives and focusing on shared values, the government aims to preserve Nigeria’s integrity as a tolerant, inclusive, and united nation. View, More,
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