Nigeria has pushed back firmly against assertions by United States President Donald Trump alleging widespread Christian persecution in the country.
In a statement released by the Presidency on Sunday, November 2, officials underscored that President Bola Tinubu had anticipated geopolitical manoeuvres and was already executing decisive security reforms. Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga highlighted that Tinubu had met newly appointed military chiefs ahead of Trump’s remarks, issuing an unambiguous mandate to deliver results and dismantle emerging armed threats across the North-Central, North-West and southern regions.
Positioning security as a cornerstone of national stability, Tinubu urged the armed forces to act with patriotism, innovation and foresight. He stressed that Nigeria must outpace evolving threats through proactive intelligence and technological deployment, reinforcing his promise to fully resource the security architecture. The government emphasised that violence in Nigeria does not target one faith over another, citing balanced demographic representation and independent assessments from conflict-monitoring groups.
Responding to Trump’s directive to prepare US forces for potential action in Nigeria, Abuja reaffirmed its commitment to religious freedom, constitutional protections and cooperation with international partners. Tinubu rejected portrayals of Nigeria as intolerant, reiterating that national cohesion is rooted in pluralism and mutual respect across faiths. While acknowledging persistent insecurity driven by terrorism and criminal banditry, the government insisted progress is underway, projecting resilience and unity as the nation advances its agenda for peace, justice and collective prosperity.