The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) has intensified its diplomatic efforts and taken steps to rally its security forces in response to the recent, unprecedented threat of military action and aid suspension issued by US President Donald Trump.
President Trump’s warning, which cited the alleged persecution of Christians and the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), has triggered a high-level response from Abuja aimed at asserting national sovereignty and correcting the international narrative.
On the diplomatic front, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly convened a meeting with the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja. The Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, firmly rejected the CPC designation and the characterization of Nigeria’s security challenges as a unilateral religious war.
Official Stance: “Recent external claims suggesting systemic religious persecution in Nigeria are unfounded. Our constitutional order guarantees freedom of religion… The government is committed to protecting all citizens,” stated a representative from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The government is prioritizing “quiet diplomacy” and “strategic engagement” with Washington to de-escalate tensions and foster a partnership based on mutual respect, rather than confrontation.
Simultaneously, the Presidency sought to reassure the nation and demonstrate internal capacity to manage the security crisis. Officials highlighted that President Bola Tinubu was proactive in his reorganization of the military high command and has issued clear, uncompromising directives to the new service chiefs to tackle banditry, terrorism, and farmer-herder clashes across the country.
This action is seen as a message to both domestic critics and international partners that the Nigerian government is serious about ending insecurity and does not require unilateral foreign intervention.
The unfolding diplomatic row puts immense pressure on Nigeria to resolve its internal security crisis, not just for the sake of its citizens, but to safeguard its place on the global stage and its fragile economy, which risks capital flight following the President’s pronouncements.
