NSCIA rejects US ‘Christian genocide’ claim, accuses Trump of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the decision of the US government to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC), describing the move as “a political tool aimed at destabilising” the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, Ishaq Oloyede, secretary-general of the council, said the US action announced by President Donald Trump was based on false claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria—a narrative he described as “dangerous, divisive, and unsupported by credible evidence.”
Oloyede, who spoke after a meeting of its expanded general-purpose committee, said the council is “deeply troubled” by the “growing campaign by foreign politicians, lobbyists, and domestic actors to portray Nigeria’s insecurity as religious persecution”.
“We reaffirm that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria,” the Council said. “What our nation faces is a complex and tragic security crisis that affects Muslims and Christians alike, driven by poverty, criminality, climate change, and governance failures—not religion,” he said.
Oloyede faulted Trump’s statement labelling Nigeria “disgraced”, saying such language from an ally “undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and national image”.
Citing reports by Amnesty International and other research institutions, the NSCIA secretary-general noted that both Muslims and Christians have suffered casualties from terrorist and bandit attacks across the country.
He added that available data, including findings by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), show that violence in Nigeria is “not religiously motivated”.
He accused some “Islamophobic and unpatriotic Nigerians” of pushing false genocide narratives in Western circles for political and financial gain. It also blamed certain American politicians and separatist groups for “weaponising religion” to influence U.S. foreign policy.
“These lobbyists flood Washington with doctored videos and fake statistics,” the NSCIA scribe said.
“This is not a human rights campaign; it is a coordinated information operation designed to fracture Nigeria.”
The body further alleged that the reimposition of the CPC designation was influenced by geopolitical interests, particularly Nigeria’s stance on Palestine and its strengthening economic ties with China.
Calling for unity, Oloyede urged Nigerian Christians “not to be deceived by divisive narratives”, stressing that Muslims and Christians remain victims of the same national security challenges.
“We stand with our Christian compatriots against all forms of violence and terror. There is no Muslim genocide, no Christian genocide — only a shared tragedy demanding collective action,” he said.
The NSCIA scribe urged Trump to retract his comment and instead collaborate with Nigeria by sharing intelligence and logistics support to help combat terrorism and banditry.
He also called on the federal government to intensify efforts to protect all citizens, regardless of faith, and hold accountable those spreading false narratives capable of igniting religious conflict.
“Genuine assistance requires partnership, not unilateral actions that could fragment the Nigerian nation,” he said.
“We will not be defined by lies or allow a “foreign agenda to divide our country.”
