Political figures, civil society leaders and religious groups in Nigeria have reacted strongly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for alleged persecution of Christians and his related threats to cut aid or take military action against perpetrators.
The designation and threats prompted swift responses across the country. President Bola Tinubu reiterated that religious persecution has no place in Nigeria and stressed constitutional protections for all citizens irrespective of faith. The Presidency said it had acted proactively notably through a recent shake-up of the military leadership — to address security challenges.
Several prominent Nigerians decried the U.S. posture. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor and one-time presidential candidate, told journalists the insecurity in Nigeria does not discriminate by religion and urged Washington to support Nigeria with technology and partnership rather than threats. “The insecurity we face is not distinguished based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” Kwankwaso said. He advised that the United States should provide cutting-edge technology to tackle the security problems and urged diplomatic engagement rather than punitive measures.
Kaduna-based cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi urged President Tinubu to respond firmly and even suggested severing diplomatic ties if Washington fails to retract what Gumi called an “irresponsible” threat. “For Trump to threaten a sovereign country with military attack is a profound disrespect to our authority,” Gumi wrote on his verified Facebook page, adding that Nigeria has other options for military and economic partnerships.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, the Middle Belt Forum and the Northern wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also rejected the threats. Their statements variously called for calm, national unity and diplomatic engagement to resolve the dispute.
The Presidency’s information team defended the administration’s earlier measures. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said President Tinubu had anticipated the diplomatic friction and had already directed the new service chiefs to be decisive against emerging armed groups. Onanuga posted on X that Tinubu told service chiefs: “Security threats are constantly evolving… We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication, said President Tinubu and President Trump would meet “in the coming days” to discuss the allegations and clarify any misunderstandings about whether terrorists in Nigeria specifically target Christians or attack citizens irrespective of faith. Bwala noted that both leaders share “a strong commitment” to combating terrorism and that the meeting would provide an opportunity to resolve differences either at the State House or the White House.
Civil society voices called for calm and stressed the need for independent investigations into alleged atrocities. Observers warned that external threats of force or aid withdrawal risk polarising the country further and urged both governments to prioritise diplomacy and intelligence cooperation.
The controversy has domestic political ramifications: some leaders urged the Tinubu administration to utilise diplomacy, including appointing special envoys and permanent ambassadors, to defend Nigeria’s image and secure technical assistance to address insecurity.
As diplomatic exchanges intensify, Nigerian officials say they will continue engaging both domestic stakeholders and international partners to address the security crisis, protect all citizens, and avert further strain on bilateral relations
