The government of Nigeria has strongly rejected recent claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging a “genocide” against Christians in the country. Officials described the remarks as misleading, politically motivated, and harmful to Nigeria’s global image.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, said he was considering “a range of military options” to stop what he called “mass killings of Christians” in Nigeria. He suggested that U.S. troops or air strikes could be used to intervene, adding, “We’re not going to allow that to happen.”
Responding to the statement, Nigerian officials firmly denied the allegations, emphasizing that ongoing violence in the country is driven by terrorism and banditry rather than religion. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that there is no evidence of a targeted Christian genocide in Nigeria.
“We are not proud of our security challenges, but it is untrue to claim Christians alone are targeted. Muslims and traditional worshippers are also victims of extremist attacks,” Ebienfa said in an interview with Al Jazeera.
He explained that extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) have carried out attacks indiscriminately, killing people of all faiths.
The Nigerian government also issued a warning against any foreign interference, urging the U.S. to respect its sovereignty. “We are open to cooperation in fighting terrorism, but any action that undermines our independence will not be accepted,” Ebienfa added.
Daniel Bwala, adviser to President Bola Tinubu, echoed this stance, noting that Nigeria welcomes international support only if it respects the country’s territorial integrity.
Trump’s comments came a day after Washington reinstated Nigeria on its list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for alleged religious freedom violations. Nigerian officials, however, maintain that the country’s leadership promotes inclusivity.
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President Tinubu, a Muslim married to a Christian pastor, has repeatedly stressed that his administration rejects religious discrimination. He pointed to his appointment of a Christian as Nigeria’s new defence chief as proof of his commitment to equality and national unity.
