Olusegun Ariyo
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has strongly rejected the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by former United States President Donald Trump.
The council described the claim of “Christian genocide” in the country as a dangerous foreign propaganda aimed at destabilising Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, the National Secretary of the Council, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said the genocide narrative being peddled by the US government and far-right lobbyists is false, politically motivated, and targeted at inciting religious division in Africa’s most populous nation.
According to him, there is no evidence to support claims that Nigerian Muslims are persecuting Christians. The Muslim Ummah clarified that the insecurity ravaging the country is caused by terrorism, criminality, poverty, and the effects of climate change, which have displaced communities and triggered violent clashes over resources.
“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. Both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorists and criminal gangs,” Oloyede stated. “These attackers do not represent Islam. They kill Muslims, destroy mosques, and target everyone.”
He cited independent investigations, including findings by Amnesty International and global conflict monitors, which concluded that violence in Nigeria does not meet the legal definition of genocide under international law.
Oloyede further claimed that the renewed push to label Nigeria a religious-persecution zone intensified after Nigeria reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution in Palestine at the United Nations. He alleged that pro-Israeli and far-right groups are driving the narrative to divert attention from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The agenda is distraction and destabilisation. The fastest way to break Nigeria is to inflame religious tensions,” he warned.
The Islamic Council called on Nigerians, both Christian and Muslim, to reject foreign interference and resist attempts to turn genuine security challenges into sectarian conflict.
Oloyede urged the US to withdraw its statement and instead support Nigeria with intelligence and logistical aid to combat terrorism.
“We will not allow foreign interests to fragment Nigeria. We stand for unity, peace, and justice,” he concluded.
The Council also appealed to the Nigerian government to strengthen security, expose sponsors of banditry, and protect all citizens regardless of faith.
Trump has threatened military Action Against Nigeria
Trump’s comment came after he had earlier designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. However, in several responses, the Nigerian government had rejected Trump’s call and instead called on the US and others to fight insecurity in the country.
