The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Olufemi Oluyede has refuted claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s security challenges are rooted in terrorism, not religion.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday after a closed-door meeting with other security chiefs at the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Oluyede said Nigeria remains committed to working with international partners to tackle insecurity.
"We’re just coming out of the General Security Appraisal Committee meeting. Though this is a special session, it’s something we hold periodically. This was specifically convened because of recent claims that Nigeria is persecuting Christians," the CDS told reporters.
"I want to make it clear that no Christian is being persecuted in Nigeria. What we are facing is insecurity, especially terrorism, and we’ve been doing our best to checkmate this act within the country," he added.
His comments come days after former US President Donald Trump alleged that Christians were being "massacred" in Nigeria, warning of possible US intervention if the situation persisted.
The United States also recently redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.
Responding, General Oluyede said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is taking concrete steps to strengthen national security, including a recent shake-up in the military hierarchy.
"You recall that last week, the President and Commander-in-Chief recalibrated the security architecture by appointing officers of proven integrity, experienced in asymmetric warfare, to boost our operations. We are determined to intensify efforts and ensure that acts of terrorism are effectively checkmated across Nigeria," he said.
Describing terrorism as a "global problem," the CDS said cooperation with other nations was essential for lasting peace.
"Terrorism is not peculiar to Nigeria; it’s a worldwide challenge that requires collective effort. So, if there are countries willing to support us, we welcome them to join hands with us in addressing the menace," he added.
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