The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed allegations by U.S. President Donald Trump that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s biggest challenge remains terrorism, not religion-based attacks.
Speaking with journalists on Monday in Abuja, General Oluyede described Trump’s statement as misleading, noting that insecurity in the country affects citizens of all faiths.
He said, “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.”
The Defence Chief stressed that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain focused on tackling terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes, adding that religion has no bearing on the ongoing operations.
Oluyede commended President Bola Tinubu for restructuring the national security framework, saying the changes have already enhanced coordination among the military and intelligence agencies.
“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.
He noted that these reforms have led to more efficient counterterrorism campaigns and improved synergy between the services.
The CDS assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would intensify efforts to eliminate terrorists and restore peace across the country.
“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 said.
Oluyede explained that terrorism is a global challenge, not unique to Nigeria, and called for sustained international collaboration in addressing the threat.
“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 added.
Oluyede’s remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump accused the Nigerian government of allowing the killing of Christians and threatened possible military intervention.
In a post on his Truth Social platform last Saturday, Trump warned that the United States could “go in guns blazing” if the alleged attacks on Christians continued.
“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,” Trump had said.
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