The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria, saying the country’s major security challenge remains terrorism.
Oluyede stated this on Monday in Abuja while reacting to a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that Islamic terrorists were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria.
Oluyede, who described terrorism as a global challenge, said Nigeria was open to international cooperation in combating the menace.
“There are several countries also challenged in that respect, and it calls for collective effort. If we have partners ready to support Nigeria, we will welcome them to help us address terrorism within our space,” he said.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability nationwide and urged Nigerians and international partners to continue supporting the country’s counterterrorism efforts.
Oluyede’s comments came after Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, alleged that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria and warned that the U.S. might intervene if such attacks continued.
The post drew widespread criticism, prompting President Tinubu to reiterate Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and religious freedom.
In a statement on his X handle, Tinubu said Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his administration maintains engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace and unity.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said.
He described Trump’s characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant as inaccurate, stressing that religious tolerance remains a core national value.
The President also pledged to continue working with the United States and other global partners to deepen mutual understanding and protect communities of all faiths.