The Federal Government has once again appealed to US President Donald Trump to approach Nigeria’s security situation with greater understanding and sensitivity to the country’s complex realities.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja, just days after Trump threatened possible military action against Nigeria over what he described as a “genocide against Christians.”
“We call on our American friends and partners to approach the Nigerian situation with an understanding of its complex realities. Nigeria is a vast, multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation, making significant strides in economic reforms and strengthening its security architecture.
“We believe constructive engagement is the surest and most effective way to achieve peace and stability not only in Nigeria but in any part of the world.
“Nigeria welcomes dialogue, we welcome cooperation, and we also welcome support from foreign nations, including the United States of America, in addressing our shared security concerns,” the minister said.
Winning the War
Idris reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s determination to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime. According to him, Nigeria is making steady progress in its security campaign, particularly in the North-East.
“In March this year, a report by the Global Terrorism Index indicated that terrorist attacks were at their lowest in over a decade in Nigeria. The Nigerian government did not say this; it is the international community that has given out this information,” he noted.
He added that within the last eight months, the military had neutralized over 592 terrorists in Borno State alone, rescued more than 11,200 hostages, and secured the surrender of over 124 insurgents who handed in more than 11,000 weapons.
Idris also emphasized that President Bola Tinubu had significantly increased funding for the military and approved major investments in advanced security equipment, reflecting his commitment to eliminating terrorism and banditry nationwide.
Highlighting the situation in the North-West, the minister disclosed that intensified military operations had forced several notorious bandit leaders—such as Ali Kachalla, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu—to surrender or face elimination. He noted that in August, security forces intercepted and killed over 400 armed bandits during a single operation in Zamfara State.
Last Friday, President Trump said Christianity was under severe threat in Nigeria, claiming that “thousands of Christians are being killed” by “radical Islamists.” He described the alleged killings as a “mass slaughter,” warning that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.”
Trump added that he had directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the matter and report back to him.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’ But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!” Trump wrote.
What You Should Know
Nigeria and the United States have long shared diplomatic and security partnerships, but recent tensions have emerged following President Trump’s strong remarks about alleged religious violence.
The Nigerian government insists that while isolated attacks occur, they are driven more by criminality than religion. President Tinubu’s administration has increased military funding, bolstered counterterrorism operations, and recorded substantial successes against insurgent groups.
Meanwhile, Washington’s stance underscores America’s commitment to human rights, though Nigeria urges constructive dialogue rather than threats, emphasizing the nation’s multi-ethnic fabric and ongoing efforts to maintain peace and unity.
