The Federal Government has urged the United States to assist Nigeria with military support in the fight against terrorism instead of labeling the country as a “nation of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, made the appeal on Saturday while responding to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that thousands of Christians are being killed in Nigeria.
Onanuga dismissed Trump’s claim as exaggerated, saying Nigeria faces security challenges from bandits and terrorists who target both Christians and Muslims without discrimination.
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“There is no ongoing slaughter of thousands of Christians in Nigeria. What our country needs from America is military assistance to fight violent extremists, not a negative designation,” he said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also rejected the U.S. classification, insisting that Nigeria’s diverse religious communities have coexisted peacefully for decades. It emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting all citizens and fostering interfaith harmony.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised concerns over recurring attacks on Christian communities, particularly in northern regions, urging stronger government action to safeguard lives and property.
The government, however, maintains that reports of systematic religious persecution are overstated and assured that ongoing military operations continue to target extremist groups nationwide.
Nigeria says it will keep engaging the U.S. diplomatically to strengthen mutual understanding and deepen cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts.
