The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has dismissed recent allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Mosque in Abuja, the Council’s Secretary General, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, acknowledged that violent incidents have occurred in various parts of the country but emphasized that the attacks were not directed solely at Christians.
Oloyede warned that some individuals had deliberately propagated the genocide narrative abroad, particularly to the United States, with the aim of creating division and unrest among Nigerians. He, however, called on the Federal Government to strengthen security measures to protect all citizens.
The council’s statement comes after U.S. Senator Ted Cruz accused Nigerian authorities of complicity in genocide against Christians, claiming over 52,000 Christian lives had been lost since 2009 and more than 20,000 churches and Christian schools destroyed. Cruz also introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act in the U.S. Senate, which seeks sanctions against officials alleged to have facilitated religious persecution.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump had similarly warned that Christianity in Nigeria faced an “existential threat” and ordered the Pentagon to draft a potential military response should the killings continue. Trump described any action as potentially “fast, vicious, and sweet,” likening it to attacks by terrorist groups.
Professor Oloyede’s remarks underscore the council’s position that while security challenges exist, framing them as targeted genocide against Christians is misleading and politically motivated.
The NSCIA urged continued efforts to ensure the safety and protection of all religious communities across Nigeria.
