The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to remain united and resist divisive narratives following United States President Donald Trump’s recent military threats.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Tuesday, said the allegations of genocide against Christians were false and driven by religious extremists seeking to destabilise the country.
He spoke to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, stressing that President Tinubu has remained calm amid Trump’s comments and is working to ensure the international community understands Nigeria’s true situation.
Idris said the government has taken several measures to strengthen national security, including the appointment of new service chiefs, as part of efforts to curb insecurity.
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He noted that President Tinubu is engaging relevant stakeholders, including religious leaders and international partners, to maintain peace and unity.
“President Tinubu will continue to engage not only with the U.S. but with regional and continental bodies, as well as all international partners who have a role in supporting Nigeria to overcome criminal elements spreading false narratives that damage the country’s reputation,” he said.
Idris maintained that Nigeria is not defined by religious intolerance, saying: “Our constitution guarantees freedom of religion for Muslims, Christians, and others alike, and the President respects this fully.”
He warned Nigerians not to fall for extremist propaganda, adding: “These extremists want to divide Nigeria, but now is the time for unity and nation-building, not division. President Tinubu is calm and committed to resolving these issues responsibly.”
He described his meeting with the President as part of routine consultations that also addressed concerns raised by the U.S. government.
Idris reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces and maintaining open communication with international bodies to foster understanding of Nigeria’s efforts.
This is coming after Trump, in a post on his Truth Social account a few days ago, instructed the U.S. War Department to prepare for possible actions in Nigeria.
He accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to what he described as the killings of Christians across the country.
Trump warned that the United States would immediately halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria if the attacks on Christians continue.
He also indicated that America might intervene militarily to eliminate what he called “Islamic terrorists” responsible for the killings.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote.
He further stated, “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”
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