The Federal Government has urged United States President Donald Trump to approach Nigeria’s security situation with understanding and caution, following his recent claim that Christians were facing genocide in the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made the appeal during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, days after Trump threatened possible U.S. military action against Nigeria over alleged religious killings.
“We call on our American friends and partners to approach the Nigerian situation with an understanding of its complex realities,” Idris said.
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“Nigeria is a vast, multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation making significant progress in economic reforms and strengthening its security architecture. Constructive engagement, not confrontation, is the surest path to peace and stability,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness for international cooperation in tackling terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes, saying the government welcomes support from friendly nations, including the United States.
FG Insists It Is Winning the War Against Terror
Idris maintained that the Tinubu administration was recording notable successes in its fight against insecurity, particularly in the North-East.
He cited the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, which reported that terrorist attacks in Nigeria had dropped to their lowest level in more than a decade.
“In the last eight months alone, the military neutralised over 592 terrorists in Borno State. More than 11,200 hostages have been rescued, while 124 insurgents and their families have surrendered, handing over more than 11,000 weapons,” he stated.
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The minister added that the Federal Government had invested millions of dollars in modern security equipment, with President Bola Tinubu increasing the military’s budget to strengthen operational capacity.
Major Gains in North-West Operations
Idris also highlighted significant military operations in the Northwest, where he said several notorious bandit leaders had been eliminated.
“In Zamfara and Kaduna States, over 11,000 hostages have been freed, and top bandit commanders such as Ali Kachalla, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu have been neutralised. In one August operation alone, troops intercepted and killed more than 400 armed bandits who had gathered to attack a community in Zamfara,” he said.
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He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Trump’s Statement
Trump had on Friday described the situation in Nigeria as a “mass slaughter” of Christians, claiming that the faith faced an “existential threat”.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.”
He directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the matter, declaring Nigeria a “country of particular concern.”
The former U.S. President added, “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”
FG: Dialogue, Not Threats
Concluding his remarks, Idris emphasised that Nigeria remains open to dialogue and collaboration but would continue to defend its sovereignty.
“Nigeria welcomes partnership and constructive engagement, not misinformation or threats. Our focus remains on peace, stability, and the security of all citizens,” the minister said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
