No Christian genocide in Nigeria – Defence Chief

Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed claims of Christian persecution in the country, insisting that the country’s main security challenge remains terrorism.

Speaking to reporters on Monday in Abuja, Oluyede dismissed the claim by US President Donald Trump that Islamic terrorists were targeting and killing Christians.

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 explained that the Armed Forces have been working relentlessly to combat terrorism and improve national security.

According to him, recent efforts by President Bola Tinubu to restructure the nation’s security system are already strengthening operations.

“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.

Oluyede assured Nigerians that the military would intensify its campaigns against terrorists and other criminal elements 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 added.

The CDS noted that terrorism is not peculiar to Nigeria, describing it as a global issue that requires international cooperation.

“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 said.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability nationwide, urging Nigerians and international partners to continue supporting the country’s counterterrorism efforts.

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Oluyede’s comments followed a meeting between the National Security Adviser and the service after Trump’s controversial post on his Truth Social platform last Saturday.

He claimed Christians were being targeted in Nigeria and warned that the US might “go in guns blazing” if the killings allegedly 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.

The comment sparked widespread criticism, prompting President Tinubu to issue an official statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and religious freedom.

In a post on his X handle, Tinubu emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his administration maintains active engagement with leaders of all faiths to promote peace and security.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions,” he added.

Tinubu rejected foreign narratives portraying Nigeria as religiously intolerant, describing them as inaccurate and unreflective of the nation’s diversity and unity.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he stated.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s stance, the President said religious tolerance “has been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.”

He further pledged to continue working with the United States and other global partners to deepen mutual understanding and protect communities of all faiths.