The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has described United States President Donald Trump’s allegation of genocide against Christians in Nigeria as false and a clear example of failed American intelligence.
Issa-Onilu made the statement on Monday during the monthly National Joint Security Press Briefing held in Abuja, where he addressed recent international reports linking Nigeria to religious persecution and threats of U.S. military action.
Trump had last week designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” accusing the Nigerian government of allowing large-scale killings of Christians and warning that Washington could take military steps to stop what he described as “religious genocide.”
Reacting, Issa-Onilu said the claims were baseless and not supported by credible evidence. He argued that the situation in Nigeria, while serious in terms of insecurity, does not amount to genocide nor is it targeted at any particular religious or ethnic group.
“An allegation of genocide against Christians in Nigeria by the President of the United States of America is not true,” he said. “This is not the first time that the intelligence of the United States failed Americans. It failed in Iraq when it turned out there were no weapons of mass destruction. It failed in Libya and Afghanistan. I think this is another error in intelligence gathering.”
The NOA boss acknowledged that Nigeria faces multiple security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes, but stressed that these conflicts are not religiously motivated.
“We know there are killings, but they are not targeted at any religion. The government and security agencies are working round the clock to bring insecurity under control,” he stated.
Issa-Onilu also reminded the public that the United States recently commended Nigeria for its successful capture of two major terrorist leaders, proving that the country was making significant progress in its counterterrorism efforts.
He pointed out that Nigeria was also recently removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list — a category of countries seen as weak in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
“The international body responsible for tracking illicit financial flows confirmed Nigeria’s improvement in fighting terrorism financing. That is clear evidence that the country is moving in the right direction,” he said.
Speaking further, the NOA DG said the recent changes in Nigeria’s military leadership reflect President Bola Tinubu’s seriousness about strengthening national security.
“A country that is not serious about its internal security would not take such drastic measures,” he explained. “The President’s decision to reorganize the military hierarchy last week shows his determination to enhance performance and restore peace.”
Issa-Onilu also cited the U.S. government’s lifting of restrictions on arms sales to Nigeria as proof that Washington recognizes the country’s responsible handling of military resources.
“The United States only sells arms to countries they believe use them responsibly. The fact that the ban was lifted shows their trust in Nigeria’s leadership,” he noted.
He urged Nigerians to ignore false narratives aimed at creating religious tension, stressing that the government remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
The NOA DG called on the U.S. and other international partners to verify information more carefully before making public declarations about Nigeria, saying such statements could harm diplomatic relations and fuel division.
“Nigeria and the U.S. have enjoyed a long-standing partnership built on mutual respect,” he said. “We expect that partnership to be guided by facts, not flawed intelligence.”
The National Orientation Agency, which operates under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, is responsible for promoting patriotism, public awareness, and national unity.
Issa-Onilu concluded by reaffirming the agency’s commitment to countering misinformation and promoting unity among Nigerians, urging citizens to remain confident in the nation’s security institutions.
