The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed claims made by former United States President Donald Trump that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s major challenge is insecurity and terrorism affecting all citizens.
He stated this in Abuja after a closed door meeting attended by the National Security Adviser and other service chiefs, stressing that the allegation does not reflect the true situation in Nigeria.
Oluyede stressed that the Nigerian Armed Forces are focused on tackling terrorism and restoring peace across troubled regions. According to him, “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.” He maintained that the security challenges in the country are not faith based but driven by criminal and extremist activities.
The Defence Chief explained that President Bola Tinubu has recently strengthened the nation’s security leadership by appointing experienced officers to intensify operations nationwide. He said, “You will recall that just last week, the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces 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 that the renewed approach is already improving coordination among security agencies.
Oluyede emphasised that Nigeria welcomes support from global partners willing to collaborate in the fight against terrorism but stressed that any assistance must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. He noted that terrorism remains a global problem requiring collective effort, stating that “if we have countries out there who are ready to support Nigeria, we are ready to have them on board to help us checkmate the act of terrorism within the space of Nigeria.” He, however, made it clear that foreign interventions must align with Nigeria’s security priorities.
His comments follow Trump’s recent remarks alleging mass killings of Christians in Nigeria and hinting that the United States “may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns a blazing” if the situation continues. The Nigerian government has consistently rejected the former US president’s claims, describing them as misleading and capable of inciting unnecessary tension between both nations.
The Defence Chief urged Nigerians and the international community to rely on verified information from credible institutions rather than politically motivated comments. He assured that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to protecting all citizens regardless of their religion, tribe, or background, and will continue to intensify efforts to restore long term peace across the country.