Nigeria’s newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed claims that Christians are being persecuted in the country, describing such allegations as “false and politically motivated.”
Speaking during a press briefing at Defence Headquarters in Abuja, General Oluyede emphasized that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain neutral and committed to protecting all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
“No Christian is being persecuted in Nigeria. What we have are isolated incidents of insecurity that affect everyone Christians, Muslims, and traditional believers alike,” he stated.
The Defence Chief added that the military’s operations in the North and Middle Belt are focused on restoring peace and combating terrorism, not religious bias.
“We must stop turning national security challenges into religious narratives. Terrorism does not discriminate. Our mission is to safeguard the lives and property of all Nigerians,” Oluyede said.
His statement comes amid growing international debate about religious freedom in Nigeria, following reports that the United States is considering sanctions on certain Nigerian officials over alleged religious persecution.
General Oluyede reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s unity and urged citizens to avoid spreading misinformation that could inflame division.
