Nigeria's government on Sunday dismissed viral accusations of a targeted religious genocide against Christians as "false and harmful," insisting security woes strike all faiths equally and spotlighting counter-terrorism wins that belie any narrative of unchecked persecution.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris, in a fiery statement, branded the allegations—fueled by global media and online agitators—"baseless, despicable, and divisive," arguing they twist banditry and terror into a faith war. "These criminals target all who reject their ideology, regardless of faith," he said, noting Muslims, Christians, and non-believers alike fall victim.

Idris touted strides under President Bola Tinubu: over 13,500 militants neutralized and 10,000 hostages freed since May 2023, plus last month's nab of ANSARU's self-styled emir, Mahmud Muhammad Usman, and deputy Mahmud al-Nigeri.

He highlighted Christian-led security brass—the armed forces chief and police inspector-general—as proof of inclusive command, alongside 700-plus convictions from seven prosecution waves, with an eighth underway.

The pushback nods to Nigeria's mosaic: home to one of the world's largest Muslim populations and booming Pentecostal hubs, plus the globe's biggest Anglican flock. Idris cited March's Commonwealth Peace Prize to interfaith duo Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa as a beacon of harmony now emulated across 56 nations.

Urging media restraint, Idris vowed Tinubu's resolve: "We will work tirelessly for justice and security." The retort follows U.S. State Department lifts of prior "Country of Particular Concern" tags, despite USCIRF nudges, as Abuja counters narratives that once swayed foreign policy.