franklin

Nigeria’s security challenge is not a war of religion. “Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality.” Terrorists attack all who reject their murderous ideology—Muslims, Christians, and those of no faith alike. Between May 2023 and Feb 2025, over 13,500 terrorists were neutralized and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued. Just last month, the top leaders of ANSARU, Al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Nigeria, were captured. “The Nigerian story is not one of genocide or persecution, but of resilience, diversity, and a globally acknowledged commitment to peaceful coexistence.” Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria. Our nation is home to some of the world’s largest Pentecostal churches, the largest Anglican congregation, and one of the biggest Muslim communities anywhere. Nigeria continues to export not just culture and music, but also proven frameworks for interfaith harmony, as shown when the Commonwealth Peace Prize was awarded this year to two Nigerian interfaith leaders whose work now guides all 56 Commonwealth nations. Full text of Statement by HM Information below: