No Christians Are Being Persecuted In Nigeria — Defence Chief Counters Trump’s Claim
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s main security challenge remains terrorism and not religion-based attacks.
Speaking to reporters on Monday in Abuja, Oluyede debunked the claim by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Islamic terrorists were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria.
He said such assertions were misleading and failed to reflect the true nature of Nigeria’s security challenges.
“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria. We are facing insecurity, especially terrorism, and it’s something that has been affecting Nigeria for quite some time now,” Oluyede stated.
He explained that the Nigerian Armed Forces have been working tirelessly to combat terrorism and other forms of criminality across the country.
According to him, recent efforts by President Bola Tinubu to restructure the nation’s security architecture have further strengthened operations.
“You will recall that just last week, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, recalibrated the security system by bringing on board officers of proven integrity who are seasoned in asymmetric warfare to add impetus to our operations,” he said.
Oluyede assured Nigerians that the military would intensify its campaigns against terrorists and other criminal elements, emphasizing the need for citizens to support security agencies.
“We’re going to add more to what we’re doing, add more impetus to our operations, and ensure that we checkmate acts of terrorism within Nigeria,” he pledged.
The Defence Chief also noted that terrorism is not peculiar to Nigeria, describing it as a global issue that requires international collaboration.
“There are several countries that are challenged in that respect, and it calls for collective effort. So, if we have countries out there who are ready to support Nigeria, we are ready to have them on board to help us checkmate terrorism within our space,” Oluyede added.
His remarks followed a meeting between the National Security Adviser and service chiefs after Trump’s controversial post on his Truth Social platform last Saturday.
The former U.S. President had claimed that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria and warned that the U.S. might “go in guns blazing” if such killings continued.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing,” Trump wrote.
The comment drew widespread criticism from Nigerian officials and citizens, with many describing it as inflammatory and unfounded.
Reacting to the controversy, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, peace, and religious freedom. In a statement on his X handle, the President stressed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his administration continues to engage leaders of all faiths to promote harmony.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said.
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.”
Tinubu rejected what he described as “foreign narratives” that portray Nigeria as religiously intolerant, insisting that they do not reflect the country’s diversity or commitment to unity.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians,” the President stated.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s stance, Tinubu added that religious tolerance “has been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.” He also expressed readiness to continue working with the United States and other global partners to strengthen understanding and protect communities of all faiths.
Oluyede, in his closing remarks, called for global cooperation to defeat terrorism, reiterating that Nigeria remains committed to peace and stability.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to defend every citizen regardless of religion or ethnicity,” he said. “We are not fighting for any faith; we are fighting against terror.”
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
