Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar engaged in a heated exchange with international broadcaster Piers Morgan during an appearance on Uncensored on November 13, 2025, firmly rejecting claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
Television Confrontation Over Religious Violence
The diplomatic clash unfolded during the live interview where Morgan pressed the minister about allegations of religious persecution. Tuggar maintained that violence in Nigeria stems from widespread banditry affecting all faiths, not targeted religious attacks. He emphasized that Muslim communities have equally suffered from the security challenges plaguing the nation.
The timing of this confrontation is significant, coming amid reports documenting over 4,000 Christian deaths from jihadist attacks in early 2025 and following U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of military action against Islamist militants operating in Nigeria.
Demand for Unedited Broadcast
Following the interview, Minister Tuggar took to social media platform X to demand that the full recording be aired without edits. He accused the program of potentially distorting his arguments to fit preconceived narratives about religious conflict in Nigeria.
Tuggar wrote: "I appeared on @piersmorgan's flagship programme where I presented a factual and contextual perspective on the misleading narratives and allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria. For the sake of integrity and transparency, it is essential that the full interview be aired exactly as recorded, without edits or selective omissions."
International Reactions and Support
The African Union has thrown its weight behind Nigeria's position, with officials denying that Christians are being specifically targeted. The continental body highlighted the complex nature of Nigeria's security crisis, pointing to overlapping criminal and ideological violence that crosses religious lines.
Meanwhile, Morgan responded dismissively to Tuggar's concerns, stating: "You seem to be panicking, Foreign Minister. Rest assured, we will air your comments in full, the show is called Uncensored for a reason. Whether people believe what you said remains to be seen."
The minister fired back with equal firmness: "I am as cool as a cucumber Mr Morgan. And if I wasn't more equable I would say you are flattering yourself, but I won't. Just want to make sure you don't edit out the parts where you kept referring to the 'Chibok Boys'! Well researched."
In related developments, The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe has called on European Union leaders to restrain President Trump following his military action threats against Nigeria. The group urged balanced diplomatic approach and support for Nigeria's fight against terrorism and banditry.
