Senior Adviser to US President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, Mr. Massad Boulos, on Friday, refuted growing allegations of a targeted Christian genocide in Nigeria, insisting that terrorist violence in the country affects all religious and ethnic communities.
Boulos made the remarks in Abuja during a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. His visit comes amid rising calls by American lawmakers for Nigeria to be designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution, a move that could trigger sanctions or diplomatic consequences. However, the Trump administration has yet to issue a formal response on the matter.
Responding to questions from journalists, Boulos said the portrayal of Nigeria’s security crisis as a faith-based conflict is misleading.
“Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe,” he said. “People of all religions and backgrounds are suffering. In fact, we know that Boko Haram and ISIS have killed more Muslims than Christians. This is not a conflict specifically targeting one group or the other.”
The envoy acknowledged that some regions, especially the Middle Belt, have witnessed deadly farmer-herder clashes, with many Christian communities affected. Nonetheless, he stressed that such incidents are often rooted in competition over resources rather than religious motives.
“But definitely, it’s not something we can define as targeted at a specific religious group,” he added.
Boulos described Nigeria as a diverse and pluralistic society, noting that the country has maintained a near-equal balance between Christians and Muslims for decades.
“This has never been a serious religious issue and should not be,” he said, urging caution against narratives that could further divide the nation.
He also praised the Tinubu administration’s renewed efforts to tackle insecurity, noting that recent developments suggest a positive shift in strategy.
“The United States welcomes the steps being taken by President Tinubu to address the security situation,” Boulos said. “We are committed to working closely with Nigeria to bring lasting peace and stability.”
His remarks are expected to shape ongoing discussions in Washington, where some lawmakers and advocacy groups have been lobbying for a stronger US stance on religious freedom in Nigeria.
