By Dayo Johnson, Regional Editor, South West; Samuel Oyadongha; Peter Duru; Rotimi Ojomoyela; Marie-Therese Nanlong; Steve Oko; Laolu Elijah; Akpokona Omafuaire; James Ogunnnaike; Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo; Ochuko Akuopha; Daniel Abia & Deola Badru
Nigeria is once again in the eye of a diplomatic storm. U.S. President Donald Trump last week re-designated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide and
threatened military action to flush out the terrorists should the President Bola Tinubu administration fail to halt the killings of Christians.
The pronouncement, coupled with Trump’s threat of possible U.S. military action, has ignited widespread debate both within and outside Nigeria. While the Nigerian government swiftly denied the allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorism, the incident has laid bare the country’s deep-seated security crisis, the fragility of its international image, and the urgency of reforming its counter-terrorism architecture.
What cannot be denied is the grim reality that terrorists continue to sack villages, occupy ancestral lands, rename these communities and leave thousands languishing in displaced persons’ camps. But whether these killings can be classified as genocide against Christians is contestable.
No empirical facts to that effect. In their various camps, the displaced residents are lamenting their conditions as they seem to have lost hope of ever returning to their homes. The government, on its part seemed incapable of confronting the terrorists and send them packing.
The potential US military action has provoked a spectrum of reactions—from shock, fear and outrage, to cautious approval.
In the last few days, the Nigerian government officials have held several strategic meetings in the search for a coherent response to Trump’s threat.
Across the country, emotions are running high. Some Nigerians see Trump’s threat as a wake-up call for government to finally crush the terror networks that have held parts of the North and Middle Belt hostage for years, devastated communities, displaced thousands, and undermined public trust in state institutions. Others warn that any hint of foreign military intervention could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and worsen an already volatile situation.
Nigerians have proffered suggestions on how President Tinubu should handle the matter. The generality of the people argued that President Tinubu should see the US threat as a wake up call and deal decisively with the terrorists. Many Nigerians however advised the Federal Government to avoid confrontation with America but rather adopt a cautious diplomatic approach and collaborate with them.
Respondents in Jos, Plateau State, agreed that while the protection of citizens remains a core responsibility of government, such external threats must be handled with diplomacy, prudence, and national unity.
One of the respondents, Steve Aluko of Civil Liberties Organisation, described the situation as “a wake-up call to action” and urged the federal government to “collaborate with the USA and others to fight terrorism, pursue diplomatic engagement, reclaim all lost communities, ensure adequate resettlement of all IDPs to their ancestral homes, protect life and property, and promote ecological justice.”
Jacob Pwakim advised that the federal government should “tow the path of diplomacy and must also push policies that reflect deliberate action to build confidence, improve its security architecture, and stop amnesty for terrorists.”
Sani Mudi of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam added, “The government should deploy diplomacy to counter the false narratives against the country. That can best be done if it revamps its foreign policy machinery and corrects its present almost dysfunctional state. Let us work to restore our influence in Africa and the world generally.
We have been too quiet and are now facing a diminishing image. Everything possible must be done to address that. “I don’t see the threat as real. He is characteristically nauseating, and this is one such situation. He knows that the implications of attacking Nigeria are grave, and it could boomerang for him even domestically. But we too need to rejuvenate. The USA has been a long-standing ally, and you don’t just neglect them like that.”
Former federal lawmaker, Bitrus Kaze noted, “President Trump’s decision is predicated on the killings of Nigerians who happen to be Christians. For me, and in line with constitutional provisions, government at all levels, irrespective of political affiliation, must stop the killings of any humans whatsoever their nationality, tribe, religion, or political persuasion.”
Alex Kwapnoe of Plateau Our Heritage stated, “For those affected directly by the satanic actions of terrorists that led to the kidnap, rape, and murder of innocent girls, the several hundreds murdered in their sleep at Dogo Na Hawa in Jos, the killings at Yelwata (Benue), and thousands of these dastardly occurrences across the nation, and the failure of institutions of power to take responsibility and deliberately ignore ensuring that justice is done is clearly the optics of a failed government.
“It is fair that the world started taking notice when APC leaders went to America to report the wickedness and impotence of the then government. It became imperative for the government that received the report (the US) to take note and monitor situations regarding the lives of innocent citizens.”
Gloria Tehlkuk maintained, “The Nigerian government should adopt a calm and measured response. Hasty reactions or defensive rhetoric could worsen the situation or validate international suspicions. Instead, the government should engage the US through official diplomatic channels to clarify the country’s efforts toward tackling insecurity, particularly terrorism and inter-communal violence. A formal communication outlining ongoing counter-terrorism operations, peace building initiatives, and justice mechanisms for victims would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
The government should open itself to international cooperation and monitoring without compromising sovereignty. Allowing verified humanitarian agencies and rights organisations access to affected areas will not only strengthen Nigeria’s credibility but also help address humanitarian needs on the ground. Denial or opacity could be misinterpreted as complicity or negligence.
Nigeria must intensify domestic efforts to address the root causes of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and ethno-religious intolerance. Strengthening intelligence gathering, community policing, and interfaith dialogue will help prevent extremist ideologies from taking root. The military’s counterinsurgency efforts should also be backed by human rights accountability to avoid further alienation of local communities.”
For Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Kure, chairman of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA), “Trump has merely said what the Nigerian state has refused to admit. To him, Nigeria’s designation was “a long-overdue call to conscience.” Kure says Christians in the North are living under “state-enabled persecution,” citing denial of land rights, exclusion from public institutions, forced marriages, and what he calls “sponsored jihadist attacks” in states like Benue, Plateau and Southern Kaduna. To him, the tragedy is not Trump’s threat — but the silence of Nigerian leadership. When governments fail, sometimes external correction is inevitable,” he declares.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), sees a dangerous
oversimplification. He dismisses the “genocide” claim as false and warns that Washington is on the brink of a “catastrophic miscalculation.”
According to him, if the U.S. pushes military intimidation, Nigeria will simply turn to China and Russia, a strategic shift that could reshape global alliances in Africa. Buratai does not spare the Nigerian government either. His worry is not the allegation, but the vacuum of response, saying, “Nigeria must reclaim the narrative before it becomes policy.” He therefore advocates, aggressive diplomacy, unified religious messaging, and visible security reforms.
The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) says the U.S. designation is a direct indictment of Nigeria’s security managers and wants the Defence Ministers, NSA and IGP fired immediately.
For them, Trump’s warning is not the problem , Nigeria’s leadership failure is. “The country is bleeding. Those who failed must go,” they declared.
Stakeholders in the Niger Delta urged the Federal Government to see the President Trump’s threat of military action as a wake-up call to do the needful.
In his reaction, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, said, “coincidentally, most of the people in Plateau and Benue are Christians. Are Christians being targeted? If you think of the decimation or burning of churches here and there, maybe. Does it have the support of the government? I don’t think so and that is where the intervention of President Donald Trump seems to be a little bit intriguing, because government is not encouraging it. Maybe some elites in the country are, but not the government. Is it a good device strategically to checkmate whatever is going on? Yes. I can never foresee American troops invading Nigeria because of this, no.
I don’t see it. It is not like going to Iran to strike their nuclear sites, no. What are they going to strike in Nigeria? Where are the Fulani herdsmen, the bandits or terrorists? Where are they located? But for me, it is a wake-up call to the government of the day and it is yielding results as they are running from pillar to post.
That is exactly what Donald Trump wants to achieve. Let the government of the day wake up to their responsibilities. The least you can do for the people in the Plateau and all these other places is to ensure safety of lives and property. It is not just safeguarding the lives and property of Christians; but all Nigerians. People have said is this not Nigeria of ECOMOG? If we can take our skills, military warfare and knowledge outside the shores of Nigerian, can’t we checkmate our environment?
Similarly, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof Benjamin Okaba said: “Trump’s declaration should be seen and taken seriously as a wake up call on the Nigerian government to address the lingering malignant insecurity issues that have bedevilled this country. I suggest that Nigeria should prioritize strengthening its internal security measures and engaging in diplomatic efforts to address concerns about religious freedom and violence.”
Also, Prof Ibaba S Ibaba, a university don said: “Nigeria should respond with transparent diplomacy and immediate, concrete domestic actions to demonstrate a commitment to taking the issues seriously: quick investigations, protective measures, prosecutions, and robust public communications should be put in place. The government should commit to addressing gaps in security infrastructure and engage in aggressive and robust investigations, arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators of violence. Government officials should avoid rhetoric and use de-escalatory language to douse tensions.
There is a need to refute falsehoods, acknowledge fundamental security gaps, and engage multilaterally to neutralise pressure and preserve sovereignty. The government should reject coercive threats, assert the country’s independence, activate African and multilateral diplomacy and invite dialogue.
There is an urgent need for the government to re-commit to religious freedom and security, and to adopt a fact-based approach to turn the row into a managed bilateral process. The country may consider requesting a senior-level bilateral meeting with the US government, in addition to calling on the AU and the UN to work with Nigeria to establish an independent inquiry to establish the facts of the matter, address concerns about complicity, and demonstrate seriousness and commitment to Nigerians and the global community.
There is a need to strengthen interfaith conversations and partnerships to preserve Nigeria”.
Former Minister for Education and Health, respectively, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, in his own reaction said:”As far as I’m concerned, it’s a wake-up call. At least Nigerians are sitting up now. It’s a wake-up call for Nigeria to do the necessary thing.
We don’t want anybody to be killed. Let Nigeria take over the areas that have been taken over by non-state actors. Let the Government stop the killings. Let Nigeria stop the killings, and not play politics with it. That’s the best thing to do If we stop the killings, whether Christians or Muslims, America will not be threatening anybody. That’s why the categorisation comes on. Stop the killings, and nobody will say a Christian is killed. It’s a wake-up call for Nigeria to protect people’s lives and property”.
Niger Delta activist, Alagoa Morris also called on the Federal Government to take the fight to the terrorists and save Nigerians the agony of the endless bloodbath in the Plateau, Benue and other parts of the country. He said: “For me, President Trump’s reaction is a welcome development.
I have described the insecurity in the country as unparalleled and unprecedented in magnitude. And, there is no hope of arresting the genocidal scale of killings of fellow Nigerians. No matter the religion, all lives should matter. Yes, the rate at which worshippers are attacked even in churches, killings inside churches and destroying such places of worship has since gone beyond alarming. We hear and read almost daily about the killing of Reverend fathers, pastors and several Christians. This is unacceptable.
So, since the government lacks the political will and general wherewithal to contain the ugly situation; I am happy with the disposition of President Donald Trump. However, it should be done with the Federal Government in the picture, not unilaterally. Nigerians are no longer interested or comfortable with condolence visits or messages from the government to bereaved families and communities; only efforts that would put a full stop to the insecurity, kidnapping and killings would be good enough and acceptable.”
For the Convener, South South Reawakening Group, SSRG, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, “Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected by all including the United States of America. I implore the Nigerian government to engage deeply with the Trump administration and other governments around the world in finding a collaborative pathway to continue to fight terrorism which is a global phenomenon that cannot be left for one country. Terrorists must be smoked out from their enclave wherever they may be. Any one who terrorises any one or group of persons is a terrorist, there is nothing like bandits. The Nigerian military should take the war to the terrorists wherever they may be. I do not believe in any deradicalization. Kill all terrorists wherever we can find them”.
Eric Omare, minority rights activist and Ex President, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide said: “Trump’s opinion is spot on as far as the situation in Nigeria is concerned. Instead of Nigerians to be expressing unnecessary apprehension, President Trump should be commended. I do not subscribe to the notion that Trump’s proposed action would trample on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
After all, what is sovereignty that cannot protect its citizens? So, the Nigeria government should unconditionally collaborate with the American government to wipe out terrorists in Nigeria. There is nothing to be afraid of, the current situation in Nigeria where people are killed on a daily basis by Islamic extremists is genocidal.”
In his submission, Ejomafuvwe Francis Avbenagha, a legal practitioner said:
“The reaction of the government of Nigeria should be firm, principled, and strategic, grounded in both international law and the imperative of national sovereignty. The narrative of a one-sided “Christian genocide” is a mischaracterization of Nigeria’s complex security reality.
Nigeria should firmly reject this false narrative while acknowledging the very real security challenges that affect all Nigerians. A confrontational approach would be counterproductive.
Instead, the government should adopt a posture that is diplomatic yet unambiguous in defending national integrity. Any external assistance, while potentially welcome, must be predicated on respect for Nigeria’s territorial integrity and must be conducted jointly with Nigerian forces. The government should proactively engage the U.S. administration to clarify its ongoing efforts and explore avenues for constructive partnership in tackling terrorism. The focus should be on shared goals, enhancing intelligence sharing, providing advanced military equipment, and building capacity, rather than unilateral threats.
This international incident should serve as a catalyst to reinvigorate domestic efforts to protect all citizens and address the root causes of violence. The government must intensify its military and security operations to better protect every community, irrespective of faith. I recommend the Nigerian government should issue a formal diplomatic response firmly rejecting the “Country of Particular Concern” designation as based on a flawed and politicized narrative.
The dignity of a nation lies in its ability to solve its own challenges while cooperating with the international community on equal terms. We must not allow external forces to simplify our complex realities or undermine our sovereignty. Our response should be one of reasoned strength, not reactionary panic.”
Abagun Kole Omololu, National Organising Secretary Afenifere
“The United States routinely works with close partners,including Israel, the United Kingdom and other allies through intelligence sharing, joint operations, technology transfers and capacity-building to confront shared threats. Such partnership models demonstrate that cooperation need not erode sovereignty when it is structured, transparent and led by the host nation.
Effective security responses must be intelligence-led, regionally nuanced and mindful of local governance and reconciliation needs.
Nigeria must respond with firmness without arrogance; with openness and precision, not panic. We will work with allies to defeat terrorism, to eliminate them, so that they don’t exist to torment us any more, but we will not tolerate mischaracterisation of our nation nor any confusion between lawful cooperation and foreign intrusion”.
Hon Ayo Fadaka, Public analyst
“The insecurity problem in Nigeria continues to go too far, because successive administrations, including the current Tinubu’s administration continue to pander towards politicking, rather than to decisively smash the head of this evil serpent.
There are some criminal elites who control the bandits and profit from their nefarious activities, thereby sucking the blood of the victims. Government knows these influential criminals, it must attack, arrest and punish them. Banditry is taking too much from the nation and its citizenry, President Tinubu has no excuse not to crush it within months, and he will become a spectacular hero that all of us will be ready to stake our necks for.
How can these ragtag army of criminals confront the versatile Nigeria Army that has a serious pedigree even beyond Africa? I am urging Mr President, as Commander in Chief to rise to the occasion now and incinerate these many anti-system groups that go with many clarifications, be they Iswap, Boko Haram or bandits.
The United States is the embarrassing bane of the third world, fishing for trouble everywhere, and always failing to accomplish their aims, but causing devastation everywhere it raises its ugly head. Nigeria as the most populous black nation in the world must uplift the morale of our race, we too must declare the USA under Trump as a country of particular concern, because racism is ascending a dangerous proportion under Trump in America”.
Lanre Ogunsuyi, Public Analyst and Media Strategist:
“The government should engage in diplomatic efforts to clarify the situation and express its concerns about Trump’s threat. President Tinubu should dialogue with President Trump to discuss the issue and find mutual understanding. This would help to reduce tensions and promote cooperation between the two countries.
The government should seriously and convincingly address the security concerns in the country, including the Islamist insurgency, and demonstrate its ability to protect all citizens, regardless of their faith. The Tinubu administration must submit counter verifiable data to the international community, including the United Nations, African Union , ECOWAS etc to condemn Trump’s threat and seek support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ultimately, the way forward is for the Nigerian government to maintain a firm but diplomatic stance, while also addressing the underlying security concerns and promoting national unity and security. The Nigerian government on her part should welcome US assistance in fighting terrorism, while ensuring that such cooperation respects Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The Nigerian government must urgently address the security challenges in the country, including the Islamist insurgency, and demonstrate commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of their faith.
Barr Solomon Bankole, Chairman, CSOs, Ogun State: “President Donald Trump does not have any power whatsoever to issue any threat to a sovereign entity called Nigeria. However, Trump’s threat should be a wake up call to President Bola Tinubu-led government to deal decisively with the problem of insecurity in the country. People are dying daily and billions of dollars are being earmarked for insecurity and nobody has ever been punished for the mismanagement of this fund. I want to challenge all security chiefs and security operatives to rise up to their responsibility of securing lives and properties of the country’.
Prof. Sabit Olagoke, Founder and Spiritual Head, Shafaudeen-In-Islam Worldwide said:
“The Nigerian government must respond to President Donald Trump’s threat with diplomacy, wisdom, and a deep sense of responsibility. Matters of international concern, especially when they involve religion and security, must never be handled with emotions or aggression.
First, the government must swiftly engage the United States through diplomatic channels to clarify the true situation on the ground. While we acknowledge the unfortunate killings and insecurity challenges in some parts of the country, it would be wrong to generalise these incidents as a deliberate genocide against Christians.
Many Muslims and other ethnic groups have also suffered grave losses due to terrorism and banditry. The Federal Government should intensify efforts to secure every Nigerian regardless of religion or ethnicity. Security.
Above all, Nigeria must demonstrate through concrete action that it can handle its internal security challenges without foreign interference. But dialogue and mutual respect must guide our approach to the US. Diplomacy, not confrontation, is the way forward”.
Major Rasaki Salawu (rtd), Security Analyst and Public Affairs Commentator, said:
“President Trump’s threat should not be taken lightly and neither should it be met with panic or hostility. Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, must assert her independence while addressing the legitimate concerns about insecurity raised by the international community.
The government should immediately open high-level diplomatic discussions with the United States to explain ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and present verifiable data showing that Nigeria is not engaged in any religious cleansing.
At the same time, our security agencies must intensify intelligence operations and coordinate more effectively to curb terrorist activities that fuel such perceptions abroad. Nigeria must also improve its communication strategy. We cannot allow external forces to define our national image based on misinformation or exaggerated reports. A proactive public relations and foreign affairs approach is essential.”
Pastor Dave Ogbole, Benue clergy and public affairs analyst: “All Christians and Muslims are on the same page that terrorism is inimical to our democracy and development. So, terrorism should be isolated and any religious connotation should be removed from it and let it be eliminated and in doing so, Nigeria should be willing to accept help from people who are not emotionally, politically or economically involved in our issue. We have reached out for help before, so it is nothing new.
The only issue here is the word Christian that Donald Trump mentioned, if he had said that he was eliminating terrorists in Nigeria to safeguard our democracy there wouldn’t have been this uproar but religion is a delicate thing in Nigeria that needs to be managed wisely.
But I support Trump’s position to wipe out terrorism and it must not be twisted, he is not invading Nigeria, he is invading terrorist enclaves.
So let terrorism that threatens our national security be eliminated and anyone that is ready to help us is welcomed, we shouldn’t be ashamed of receiving help from anywhere”.
Mr Lazarus Mom, Chairman of Benue Non-Governmental Organisations Network, BENGONET:
“For me, I think the call is in order because government has not been doing everything possible to protect lives in Nigeria. People are dying everyday and the statistics have shown that the people dying are more Christians than Muslims.
So, I think what government should do is to look inwards and begin to act. Look at Yelewata for example, almost six months after the massacre, who has been charged to court and so many other attacks that have happened across the country.
It shouldn’t be a matter of debating whether it is Christians or Muslims being killed, it is a matter of people being killed and government not doing enough. So government should just sit up to their responsibility and look for how they can stop the killings.
Chief Iorbee Ihagh, Chairman of Benue Tribal leaders and President General of Mdzough U Tiv worldwide:
“When people are being killed on a daily basis and nothing happens, everyone should be worried. I think the President knows the people involved, he should work seriously on that so that what Trump is saying will not happen.
They know those people who are financing the Boko Haram, the Fulani herdsmen and the rest of them. So the government should try and get them. For us in Benue, what is happening in our state is just a complete take over of land. So my advice to President Tinubu is that he should not take Tump’s threat lightly but rather work on it.
I want government to make sure the IDPs go back to their ancestral homes because they are those who are farming to feed Nigerian. And one begins to wonder why the government that has the military can not take us back to our homes. A former leader in this country sometime ago said if a crisis lasts more than three days, the government has a hand in it”.
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