Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and top security chiefs will brief the press on Monday following US President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy American troops over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, announced this during a National Joint Security Press Briefing in Abuja. He described the US President’s claims as false and a failure of American intelligence.
Issa-Onilu reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains dedicated to combating terrorism and urged the media to report security matters responsibly. He added that the NSA briefing will provide further details and reiterate Nigeria’s commitment to religious harmony.
President Trump, on Sunday, reiterated his threat of possible military operations in Nigeria over the alleged killings of Christians. When asked aboard Air Force One if he was considering US troops or air strikes, Trump said, “Could be, I envisage a lot of things.”
He had earlier posted on Truth Social that he directed the Pentagon to prepare a possible attack plan for Nigeria, claiming Christianity faced “an existential threat” in Africa’s most populous nation. Trump warned that if Nigeria failed to stop the killings, US action would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
The statement has triggered widespread reactions across political and diplomatic circles. Responding, presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala told AFP that Nigeria remains America’s partner in the global fight against terrorism.
“Nigeria welcomes US support to fight terrorism as long as it respects our territorial integrity,” Bwala said. He suggested Trump’s remarks might be intended to pave the way for a high-level meeting between both leaders.
Bwala added that President Tinubu and Trump could meet soon to discuss shared security concerns and address misunderstandings surrounding faith-related violence. Tinubu earlier rejected claims that Christians were being targeted more than other groups, insisting that Nigeria’s religious tolerance remains firm.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” the president stated.
What you should know
President Trump’s threat of possible US military action in Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution has sparked diplomatic tension.
Nigerian officials dismissed the claims as misleading, emphasizing the country’s religious harmony and commitment to fighting terrorism while protecting its sovereignty.
