NSCIA denies Christian genocide claims, claims allegations politically driven

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has strongly rejected recent allegations of a targeted Christian genocide in Nigeria, calling such claims false, misleading, and politically driven.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, the Council’s Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, accused some foreign media outlets and political figures of using doctored reports and inflated statistics to create a narrative that undermines Nigeria’s stability.

According to Prof. Oloyede, the violence affecting parts of the country is rooted in criminal activities, poverty, and displacement caused by climate change, rather than religious persecution.

“The reality in Nigeria is not one of religious terrorism. There is no systematic attack against Christians or Muslims. What we face is armed criminality, poor governance, and socio-economic hardship that have persisted for decades,” he explained.

The statement comes in the wake of controversial comments by former US President Donald Trump, who reportedly threatened military action if the alleged mass killings of Christians in Nigeria continued. Prof. Oloyede condemned such interventions, warning against exploiting Nigeria’s internal challenges for geopolitical advantage.

He further accused some separatist movements, foreign lobbyists, and international political actors of using misinformation to influence foreign governments, particularly the United States, to take punitive measures against Nigeria.

“These are political manoeuvres, not reflections of reality,” he said. “We urge the global community to verify facts and work constructively with Nigeria instead of promoting divisive narratives,” he added.

The NSCIA appealed to both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria to unite against criminal networks and terrorism. “There is no Christian terrorism. There is no Muslim terrorism. Only criminals are benefiting from our divisions,” Prof. Oloyede emphasised.

The Council also called on President Donald Trump and other international actors to prioritise intelligence sharing and logistical support over sensationalist claims that could destabilise the nation.