Overview of Counter-Terrorism Operations in Nigeria
The Nigerian presidency recently released an updated report on the country’s counter-terrorism operations, highlighting significant progress in arrests, convictions, and a notable decline in terror-related deaths since 2023. This update was shared through the official X handle @NGRPresident, following heightened diplomatic tensions due to allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. had also designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and threatened potential sanctions and military action.
In response, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) strongly criticized the designation and the genocide allegations, claiming they were part of a broader strategy by the American government to destabilize Nigeria. Similarly, the Muslim Ummah, Bauchi State Chapter, and the leadership of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) condemned Trump’s decision to label Hamas as a terrorist organization, calling it unjust and detrimental to resolving the Palestinian conflict.
The Nigerian government consistently refuted the genocide allegations, emphasizing that the security challenges faced by the nation stem from terrorism, banditry, and communal violence rather than religious persecution. It stressed that these issues have affected individuals across all faiths and regions, and called upon global partners, including the United States, for continued support in addressing these complex security threats.
Key Achievements in Counter-Terrorism Efforts
The update highlighted several key achievements in counter-terrorism efforts, including increased inter-agency cooperation and stricter actions against terrorists and insurgents since 2023. According to the figures released, over 124 terrorists and insurgents had been convicted by Nigerian courts since 2024. High-profile suspects, such as leaders of Ansaru, those involved in the 2022 Owo Church massacre, and those implicated in the Yelwata reprisal killings in Benue, were undergoing trial.
The federal government has implemented a range of counterterrorism measures, including strengthened joint security task forces, enhanced border patrols with regional allies, permanent joint operations in vulnerable corridors, increased compensation for victims of attacks, and deeper intelligence collaboration with international partners.
The presidency reported measurable results, stating that terror-related deaths in Nigeria had declined by 81% compared to 2015. This improvement was attributed to intensified counter-insurgency operations and stronger engagement with affected communities. Additionally, over 13,000 terrorists were neutralized in the past year alone, while more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents surrendered to authorities.
More than 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) had returned to their communities, with many areas experiencing reconstruction and renewed stability. The government also instituted a Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict to facilitate rehabilitation, rebuild destroyed settlements, and support reintegration efforts.
Despite these successes, the presidency continued to call for international partnership, emphasizing that global support remains crucial in dismantling terror networks operating across borders.
Reactions from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) strongly denounced the designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern and the allegation of genocide against Christians, asserting that these claims were part of a plot by the American government to destabilize Nigeria. Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the Secretary General of NSCIA, addressed these allegations during a press briefing, emphasizing that Nigeria faces a complex and tragic security crisis affecting all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity.
Oloyede stated that many parts of the country were subjected to gruesome violence against Muslims and Christians, Imams and priests. He cited Amnesty International’s findings, which indicated no evidence of a religious motivation to characterize the situation as genocide. Oloyede emphasized that the Nigerian Muslim Ummah does not see the issue as a religious war but a national security challenge.
He further pointed out that some Islamophobic and unpatriotic Nigerians had created a dangerous narrative promoted in Western circles, particularly in the United States, leading to erroneous beliefs about a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria. Oloyede noted that the U.S. President’s comments about Nigeria being ‘disgraced’ raised concerns, as an ally should offer assistance rather than use such language to describe a country it aims to partner with in combating terrorism.
The NSCIA also highlighted the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) report of 2022, which concluded that the primary driver of violence in Nigeria was not anti-Christian persecution, as both Muslims and people of other faiths were significantly affected.
Addressing the Root Causes of Violence
The council contended that the real drivers of violence in Nigeria are ecological and criminal in nature. Oloyede explained that climate change and desertification have led to resource scarcity, forcing herders to migrate southward, resulting in violent competition with farming communities. This migration is not an ‘Islamist invasion’ but a desperate search for survival.
Additionally, criminality, fueled by poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and porous borders, has contributed to the violence. In regions like Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto, Muslims have lost over 1,200 souls to bandits who operate without tribal or religious allegiance.
The NSCIA also criticized the U.S. government for its role in creating Al-Qaeda, which is often projected as Islamic. It accused U.S. Congressman Scott Perry of testifying that USAID finances activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria and elsewhere.
Condemnation of False Narratives
The NSCIA accused foreign instigators, including U.S. politicians like Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Riley Moore, of spreading false narratives about mass murder of 50,000-100,000 Christians in Nigeria to energize their domestic evangelical base. The council also alleged that separatist groups like Biafra Republic Government In-Exile were using religious identity to achieve political and economic agendas, aided by domestic instigators.
The council condemned individuals who fabricate or decontextualize claims of persecution for personal gain, calling them traitors. It expressed disappointment with the false proclamation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) president, indicating that the individuals propagating falsehoods were following CAN’s script.
Muslim Ummah Supports Nigeria’s Stand on Palestinian Crisis
The Muslim Ummah, Bauchi State Chapter, and the leadership of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) condemned Trump’s labelling of Hamas as a terrorist organization, calling it unjust and counterproductive to peace in the Palestinian conflict. They supported the federal government’s advocacy for justice for Palestinians, urging an unconditional ceasefire and the withdrawal of Zionist forces from Gaza.
The communiqué issued at the end of a leadership training workshop organized by the National Islamic Centre, Zaria, also condemned incessant banditry and kidnappings, urging security agencies to intensify efforts in combating these threats. It expressed concern over endemic corruption and called for urgent action to prevent national collapse.
The Muslim Ummah emphasized the importance of piety (Taqwa) as a leadership attribute essential for national survival and prosperity. It highlighted the need for concrete measures to address poverty and deprivation, stressing the urgency of alleviating the situation.