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By Myke Agunwa
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has rejected the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by United States President Donald Trump, describing the claim of “Christian genocide” as dangerous propaganda aimed at destabilising the nation.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, the National Secretary of the Council, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, dismissed the genocide narrative being promoted by the U.S. government and far-right lobbyists as false, politically motivated, and designed to incite religious division in Africa’s most populous country.
“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.”
According to him, there is no evidence that Nigerian Muslims are persecuting Christians. He explained that the insecurity in the country is driven by terrorism, criminality, poverty, and climate-induced resource conflicts—not religion.
He cited reports by Amnesty International and other global monitors which concluded that the violence in Nigeria does not meet the legal definition of genocide under international law.
Oloyede further alleged that the renewed push to label Nigeria a religious-persecution zone intensified after the country reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution in Palestine at the United Nations. He accused pro-Israeli and far-right groups of 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 Council called on Nigerians of all faith to reject foreign interference and resist attempts to turn national security challenges into sectarian conflict.
It also urged the U.S. to withdraw the designation and instead assist Nigeria with intelligence and logistical support to combat terrorism.
“We will not allow foreign interests to fragment Nigeria. We stand for unity, peace, and justice,” Oloyede said.
The Council further appealed to the Nigerian government to strengthen security, expose sponsors of banditry, and protect all citizens regardless of faith.
Recall that former President Trump had threatened military action against Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians, after designating the country as a “Country of Particular Concern”—a claim that the Nigerian government has consistently denied.