Nigeria’s government says it is using diplomacy to address former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat of possible military action over alleged religious killings in the country.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris told Sky News that talks with the U.S. are already happening and that they’re making progress.
He said the figures the U.S. used to accuse Nigeria of persecuting Christians are unreliable.
Idris stressed that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that the country remains a multi-faith nation.
He added that current security challenges—such as terrorism and banditry—are being handled with determination.
Nigeria rejects claims of religious persecution
Trump had accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians and suggested that the U.S. might take military action if the killings continue.
He also mentioned cutting aid and targeting what he called “Islamic terrorists” in Nigeria.
But the Nigerian government rejected his statements, saying violence affects both Christians and Muslims, and that describing it as one-sided is false and dangerous.
Officials also reminded the world that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and will not accept any foreign military interference.
The government said Nigerian security forces are already working to restore peace in troubled areas, and outside threats only make things worse.
Diplomatic talks ongoing
Minister Idris said President Bola Tinubu has opened communication channels with Washington and believes the U.S. is beginning to understand Nigeria’s complex security situation better.
He urged the U.S. to renew its partnership with Nigeria in fighting terrorism instead of spreading misinformation.
He also revealed that the government has found links between U.S.-based lobbyists and a banned Nigerian separatist group, claiming these groups are misleading American officials about what’s really happening.
The minister said some of the data coming from Washington “does not add up,” and called for a fair understanding of Nigeria’s diversity and security realities.
Nigeria admits security challenges
Idris admitted Nigeria faces security problems, especially in the northern regions, but said the government has made major progress.
Terrorists no longer control any Nigerian territory, he added, noting that over 13,500 fighters have been killed and about 17,000 arrested since May 2023.
He said many of the killings come from complex causes like land disputes, poverty, and crime—not just religion. Even the Vatican, he noted, recently agreed that Nigeria’s violence is largely social and not religious.
“Nigeria is a multi-faith country,” Idris said. “Our constitution guarantees that everyone can freely practice their religion. Any life lost—Christian or Muslim—is one life too many.”
Idris confirmed that communication with the U.S. remains open and positive. He emphasized that both countries have long enjoyed strong ties and should continue to cooperate on security rather than trade accusations.
He warned that some lobbyists linked to terrorist groups are trying to influence U.S. opinion against Nigeria and that relying on such sources is dangerous.
Idris called for global understanding and regional cooperation to help Nigeria defeat insecurity once and for all.
“We need partnership, not threats,” he said. “Nigeria wants peace and stability—for all its people.”
