No Christian persecution in Nigeria — Defence Chief, Oluyede, tells Trump

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed claims that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, stating that the nation’s foremost security concern remains terrorism.

Addressing reporters on Monday in Abuja, General Oluyede refuted allegations made by former US President Donald Trump that Islamic terrorists were targeting Christians in the country.

“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria. We are facing insecurity, especially terrorism, and it’s something that has been affecting Nigeria for quite some time now,” he said.

Oluyede explained that the Armed Forces have been working tirelessly to combat terrorism and enhance national security. He highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent efforts to restructure the nation’s security architecture were already yielding positive results.

“You will recall that just last week, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, recalibrated the security architecture by bringing on board officers of proven integrity who are seasoned in asymmetric warfare to add impetus to our operations,” he said.

The defence chief assured Nigerians that the military would intensify operations against terrorists and criminal elements nationwide. “We’re going to add more to what we’re doing, add more impetus to our operations, and ensure that we checkmate this act of terrorism within Nigeria,” he added.

Oluyede further noted that terrorism is a global issue requiring international collaboration.

“There are several countries that are challenged in that respect, and it calls for collective effort.”

“So if we have countries out there who are ready to support Nigeria, we are ready to have them on board to help us checkmate the act of terrorism within our space,” he said.

He reaffirmed the military’s dedication to restoring peace and stability, urging both Nigerians and international allies to support the country’s counterterrorism initiatives.

His comments followed a security meeting convened after Trump’s controversial post on his Truth Social platform last Saturday, where the former US President alleged that Christians were being killed in Nigeria and threatened military action.

Trump had written: “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing.’”

The statement drew widespread criticism, prompting President Bola Tinubu to issue a response reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and religious freedom.

In a post on X, Tinubu said the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his administration actively engages with leaders of all faiths to promote peace and security.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.”

Tinubu rejected foreign portrayals of Nigeria as religiously intolerant, describing them as misleading and unrepresentative of the country’s diversity.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he stated.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s stance, the President maintained that religious tolerance “has been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.”

He also pledged to continue working with the United States and other global partners to deepen understanding and protect all faith communities.

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