President Bola Tinubu has said his government is engaging with international partners to address concerns raised by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened military action against terror groups in Nigeria over alleged mass killings of Christians.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would overcome terrorism and maintain national stability. He urged citizens not to succumb to fear, stressing that reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda were positioning Nigeria for growth and international confidence.
“The task ahead is immense, but we are engaging the world diplomatically. We will defeat terrorism and continue to secure our nation,” Tinubu said.
The President’s remarks came days after Trump labelled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” alleging persecution of Christians. He also instructed U.S. officials to “prepare for possible action” in response.
Government dismisses panic, opens diplomatic channels
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria is not in panic mode and is addressing the issue through official diplomatic channels with the U.S. government.
“There is no panic here. The government is calm and responding responsibly. We prefer diplomatic engagement to public rhetoric,” Idris told journalists.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees religious freedom and that ongoing security operations target criminal groups, not specific faiths.
Northern groups reject U.S. calls to ban Sharia law
Trump’s comments have triggered renewed calls in the U.S. Congress to sanction Nigeria and ban the enforcement of Sharia law in 12 northern states. Lawmaker Ted Cruz and others pushed the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act,” which would sanction Nigerian officials linked to Sharia enforcement.
However, northern leaders have condemned the move. The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and Coalition of Northern Groups described the proposal as an “assault on Islam.”
NEF spokesperson Prof. Abubakar Jiddere dismissed Trump’s threat as “arrogant and baseless,” saying violence in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims. He also alleged U.S. discomfort with Nigeria’s growing ties with China.
Coalition leader Jamilu Charanchi warned that any governor attempting to suspend Sharia would face severe backlash, saying the system is not merely legal but “an identity deeply tied to northern faith and culture.”
Clerics urge U.S. to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland urged the U.S. to avoid interfering in Nigeria’s domestic affairs. Grand Mufti Sheikh AbdulRasaq Ishola, speaking after a meeting in Ibadan, called for restraint, saying, “Nigeria’s sovereignty must be respected.”
Evangelical Fellowship calls for stronger response to terrorism
The Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship urged the government to intensify efforts to disarm terrorists and protect religious freedom. The group said Nigeria’s insecurity was driven by terrorism and bad governance, not religion.
Civil groups protest Trump’s threats
Civil society organisations under the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda staged protests in Lagos, condemning Trump’s “reckless” military threat and urging the U.S. Congress to reverse Nigeria’s CPC designation.
Foreign policy experts and partners react
Former World Bank adviser Dr Mahmoud Alfa criticised Nigeria’s foreign policy strategy, warning that weak diplomacy could hurt the country’s global standing. He called for a policy unit to better coordinate Nigeria’s foreign and economic agendas.
Meanwhile, China reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and opposition to any foreign interference. Ambassador Yu Dunhai said Beijing would continue supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and its efforts to maintain internal stability.
Security sector reforms and regional cooperation
The Federal Government has begun a comprehensive overhaul of police and security training institutions across the country to improve professionalism and capacity. Governors Peter Mbah, Dapo Abiodun, and Siminalayi Fubara inspected ongoing assessments in Rivers State, emphasising urgency in reforming the nation’s security infrastructure.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, pledged that military operations would prioritise civilian safety, while Army Chief Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu announced new welfare and command reforms for frontline troops.
The Department of State Services (DSS) also convened northern security chiefs in Kaduna to strengthen intelligence-sharing and peacebuilding efforts.
At a regional summit in Abuja, ECOWAS and Islamic leaders called for education-driven strategies against radicalisation. ECOWAS President Omar Touray and Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II urged collective regional action to counter extremism.
Despite tensions, the Nigerian government maintained that it remains committed to religious freedom, diplomacy, and national security reform, vowing not to be drawn into confrontation with any foreign power.
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