Nigeria Dismisses Claims of Targeted Killings of Christians…Nigerian Military Reports
Progress in Counterterrorism Efforts…Airstrikes and Ground Troops Crush Bandits in
Northwestern Nigeria…Police Rescue Worshippers After Deadly Church Invasion
● Nigerian Government to US: Stop Misrepresenting Nigeria’s Security Crisis as Religious Persecution
The Nigerian government has rejected allegations that Christians are being systematically targeted in the country, pushing back against growing calls in the United States for Nigeria to be designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
In a statement Friday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed claims of religious persecution as “misleading” and “erroneous.” The ministry argued that the security crisis in the country stems from broader issues such as terrorism, banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts, not religious bias.
“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, and the government remains committed to protecting all citizens, irrespective of faith,” the statement read.
This response comes after Nina Shea, a religious freedom expert, urged Congress to designate Nigeria as a CPC, stating, “Nigeria is the entire world’s deadliest country for Christians.” The Nigerian government, however, insists that such narratives distort the country’s complex security challenges.
● Fewer Terror Attacks Recorded in 2024, Military Reports
Nigeria saw a significant decline in terrorist attacks in 2024, marking the lowest number of incidents in years, according to the country’s Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.
“In 2024, we had the least number of attacks within the country. Things are really improving,” Musa said at a televised interview on Friday. He credited the military’s efforts, adding, “The troops are really putting in their best.”
Musa noted that improved security has allowed farmers to return to their fields. “If you move around the country, you will see that a lot of things have improved,” he said. “Farmers are going back to their farms. There is a lot of peace.”
From January to December 2024, Nigerian forces reportedly killed over 8,000 terrorists, arrested about 11,000 suspects, and saw 129,417 Boko Haram members and their families surrender between July and December.
Despite the progress, he acknowledged lingering threats but assured Nigerians that authorities are strengthening border security to prevent further instability.
● Troops and Airstrikes Decimate Bandit Networks in Katsina, Zamfara
The Nigerian military has killed at least 39 bandits, including two notorious kingpins, in separate operations across Katsina and Zamfara states, officials said.
According to military sources, ground troops and airstrikes under “Operation Fansa Yamma’ (meaning ‘breaking into the day’) targeted bandit hideouts in Katsina’s Faskari town, eliminating 12 militants, including a senior commander known as “Dogo.” Seven more were killed when the group attempted a counterattack.
In a separate operation, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes eliminated over 20 bandits, including kingpins Alhaji Gero and Alhaji Riga, in Zamfara. “The airstrike had a decisive impact on the criminals,” said NAF spokesperson Group Captain Kabiru Ali.
Riga and Gero, according to authorities, were the masterminds behind violent ambushes in Yankara and Sheme villages. “Their elimination marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign to restore peace in the North-West,” Ali added.
● Three Killed in Church Attack, Kidnapped Worshippers Rescued
A deadly attack on a church camp in the Nyanya area of Nasarawa State in North Central Nigeria left three worshippers dead and several others kidnapped, authorities said Sunday.
TheCable reported that gunmen stormed the Divine Majesty Worship Ministry camp last Monday, targeting a hostel that housed financially struggling worshippers. The bandits broke into the hostel during a nighttime prayer vigil, said Nasarawa police
spokesperson Ramhan Nansel. They killed three persons and abducted many others, demanding a ransom of ₦100 million (approximately $64,500).
However, the police launched a rescue operation, successfully freeing the hostages within 48 hours. Details regarding any arrests of the attackers were not disclosed.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
