On October 17, 2025, U.S. Envoy to Nigeria Richard Mills urged against framing Nigeria’s terrorist attacks as religiously motivated, emphasizing that victims span all faiths, tribes, and regions, with Muslims often bearing the brunt. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Mills called any loss of life “absolutely unfortunate” and stressed that “terrorism has no colour, religion, or tribe.”
He noted that Boko Haram and ISIS have killed more Muslims than Christians, countering claims of targeted Christian persecution, such as those made by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. Mills highlighted Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious makeup, with an almost even Christian-Muslim split, and insisted that insecurity is not a religious issue. He acknowledged deadly farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Belt, where many farmers are Christians, but maintained that no specific group is singled out.
Mills praised recent security measures by the Tinubu administration and pledged continued U.S. support. President Tinubu, on September 30 in Owerri, also dismissed religious genocide claims, warning against divisive narratives. Mills called for collective action to end the insecurity crisis impacting all Nigerians.
