The Nigerian Senate is gearing up for a heated debate on a motion to counter what lawmakers describe as a “dangerous and misleading” framing of the country’s security crisis as a Christian genocide.

Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and backed across party lines, the motion argues that reducing Nigeria’s violence to a religious war distorts reality, risks deepening sectarian divisions, and threatens the nation’s global standing.

Lawmakers admitted that Christian communities have suffered deadly attacks but stressed that Muslims and others have also been victims. “Portraying this as religious cleansing is simplistic, divisive, and dangerous,” a co-sponsor warned.

The push comes amid mounting international pressure, with the U.S. Congress considering Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution—a move Senators say could isolate the country diplomatically and economically.

The motion urges government to formally reject the “genocide” narrative, strengthen fact-based communication, and press religious leaders, civil society, and the media to avoid inflaming rhetoric.

Senate committees on Foreign Affairs and National Security are also tasked with engaging Washington and international partners armed with verified casualty data to reset the narrative.

Above all, lawmakers stressed, justice must be pursued for all victims—Christian, Muslim, and others—if Nigeria is to close the space for extremists and rebuild public trust.