No Christian persecution in Nigeria, only terrorism – Defence chief counters Trump’s claim

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s principal security challenge remains terrorism, not religious conflict.

Addressing journalists on Monday in Abuja, Oluyede rejected claims by United States President Donald Trump that Islamic terrorists were targeting Christians, describing such assertions as misleading and untrue.

“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria. We are facing insecurity, especially terrorism, and it’s something that has affected the country for quite some time now,” he stated.

The defence chief said the Armed Forces were intensifying efforts to combat terrorism and restore peace nationwide, noting that recent reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu had enhanced the nation’s security operations.

“You will recall that just last week, the President and Commander-in-Chief recalibrated the security architecture by bringing on board officers of proven integrity who are seasoned in asymmetric warfare to add impetus to our operations,” he added.

Oluyede assured that the military would sustain and expand its campaigns against terrorists and criminal networks across all regions.

“We’re going to add more to what we’re doing, add more impetus to our operations, and ensure that we checkmate terrorism within Nigeria,” he said.

While acknowledging that terrorism is a global phenomenon, the CDS called for international cooperation, stressing that Nigeria remains open to partnership with countries willing to support its counterterrorism drive.

“There are several countries facing similar challenges, and it calls for collective effort. If we have nations ready to support Nigeria, we are open to that collaboration to checkmate terrorism within our borders,” he noted.

Oluyede’s remarks followed a high-level security meeting convened by the National Security Adviser after President Trump’s controversial post on his Truth Social platform last Saturday, in which the U.S. leader accused the Nigerian government of allowing the “killing of Christians.”

Trump had threatened to cut off U.S. aid to Nigeria and warned that his country “may go in guns blazing” if the alleged attacks continued.

The comments drew sharp reactions from Nigerian authorities and religious groups, prompting President Tinubu to issue a statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and democratic values.

In a post on his X handle, Tinubu said the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his administration continues to engage both Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace and security.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained open and active engagement with leaders of all faiths while addressing security challenges affecting citizens across all regions.”

He described foreign portrayals of Nigeria as religiously intolerant as “inaccurate and unreflective of the nation’s diversity and unity,” adding that religious tolerance remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s identity.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into account the government’s consistent efforts to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians,” Tinubu stated.

He reaffirmed that religious harmony “has always been, and will continue to be, a defining feature of the Nigerian nation,” pledging continued collaboration with the United States and other global partners to foster peace and mutual understanding.