The Federal Government has appealed to United States President Donald Trump to adopt a more understanding and cooperative approach to Nigeria’s internal security challenges, following his recent comments accusing the country of committing “genocide against Christians.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja, stressing that Nigeria’s complex social fabric requires balanced international engagement, not threats.
“We call on our American friends and partners to approach the Nigerian situation with an understanding of its complex realities,” Idris said. “Nigeria is a vast, multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation making significant progress in economic reforms and strengthening its security architecture. Constructive engagement remains the most effective way to promote peace and stability globally.”
The minister emphasized that Nigeria welcomes cooperation and dialogue with international allies, including the United States, in addressing shared security concerns such as terrorism and violent extremism.
He reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to ending terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, noting that the government’s ongoing military operations have yielded significant results.
“In March this year, the Global Terrorism Index reported that terrorist attacks in Nigeria were at their lowest in over a decade,” Idris said. “Over 592 terrorists have been neutralized in Borno State in the last eight months, while 11,200 hostages have been rescued. Additionally, 124 insurgents and their families have surrendered, handing over more than 11,000 weapons to security agencies.”
Idris explained that the government has invested heavily in modern equipment for the armed forces, alongside increased budgetary allocations to bolster their capacity. He said President Bola Tinubu had shown clear political will to defeat terrorism and secure the nation.
Highlighting recent military successes, Idris said: “In the North-West, particularly in Zamfara and Kaduna, 11,250 hostages have been freed. Notorious bandit leaders such as Ali Kachalla, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu have been neutralised. In one August operation alone, over 400 armed bandits were eliminated in Zamfara State.”
Last Friday, Trump alleged that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, claiming that thousands of Christians were being killed by “radical Islamists.” He also directed U.S. lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate the matter, saying the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.”
Trump declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” adding: “When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like in Nigeria, something must be done. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”
According to a 9am News report, the Nigerian government maintains that while it values global partnerships, its sovereignty and ongoing military successes must be respected and recognized, urging the U.S. to engage constructively rather than adopt a confrontational stance.
