The Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria has called on United States (US) President Donald Trump to take urgent military and diplomatic action in response to what it describes as a "Christian genocide" unfolding in Nigeria.
In an open letter signed by its Global Coordinator, Comrade Frederick Odorige, the coalition said it fully supports Washington’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and the US intention to confront terrorist groups operating across the country.
A copy of the letter was also sent to Brian Mast, Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority.
The group accused the Nigerian government of deploying "propaganda" to counter international alarm, insisting that Christians remain the primary targets of extremist violence.
While acknowledging that attacks cut across religious lines, it argued that assaults in the North and Middle Belt are driven by efforts to seize land and establish an Islamic state, adding that militants have now extended operations to predominantly Christian southern regions.
The coalition criticised both political and religious leaders for failing to stem the violence.
It alleged that northern Muslim leaders had not taken "concrete actions" over the past 15 years, contrasting this with their unity on issues such as tax reforms.
The group also welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s recent listing of Nigeria as a country where Christians face severe discrimination, calling the assessment "indisputable."
The letter accused officials of downplaying the crisis, saying: "This is a government that has travelled multiple times abroad with the story of seeking foreign investors but deliberately refused to call for foreign help to fight terrorism in a country where our people now pay taxes to terrorists."
Vice President Kashim Shettima also came under scrutiny, with the coalition recalling his campaign pledge to personally lead efforts against terrorism.
It claimed that since May 2023 more than 14,000 Nigerians had been killed, adding that earlier casualties under the Buhari administration showed a long-standing failure to confront the threat.
The coalition further faulted Nigeria’s approach to terrorism financing, pointing to a list of alleged sponsors reportedly supplied by the United Arab Emirates in 2021.
It accused the government of failing to prosecute those named, describing the administration as "terrorist-friendly."
Arguing that terrorism in Nigeria threatens global security, the coalition urged the US to adopt a more assertive posture.
It cited America’s history of "precision attacks," including the killing of Osama bin Laden and the rescue of an abducted US citizen in Niger State, as evidence that decisive action is possible "without desecrating Nigeria’s sovereignty."
The group called for targeted strikes against terrorist enclaves, sanctions against identified sponsors, asset seizures linked to corruption or terror financing, and a visit by US officials to internally displaced persons camps.
"We call for the total military extermination of terrorists, their sponsors and the direct sanctioning of individuals who are remotely connected to stifling the rights of the Nigerian people," it wrote.
It added that Trump’s recent stance on the crisis "is an answer to the prayers of millions," warning that further delays could worsen the situation.
"Sir, if action is delayed, tomorrow may be too late. Nigerians need urgent help," the letter concluded.
The appeal followed a fresh attack on Tuesday in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, where terrorists stormed a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church during a meeting.
Three worshippers were shot dead, and several others, including the pastor, were abducted, according to reports.
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