The Federal Government has appealed to United States (US) President Donald Trump to show greater understanding toward Nigeria’s internal security challenges, following his recent threat of military action over alleged persecution of Christians.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, stressing the need for constructive partnership rather than confrontation.
"We call on our American friends and partners to approach the Nigerian situation with an understanding of its complex realities. Nigeria is a vast, multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation, making significant strides in economic reforms and strengthening its security architecture. Constructive engagement remains the surest path to peace and stability," he said.
He stated that Nigeria welcomes dialogue, cooperation, and support from its international partners, including the United States, in addressing shared security concerns.
Idris reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to tackling terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, saying the country was making steady gains in restoring peace, particularly in the North-East.
"In March this year, a report by the Global Terrorism Index indicated that terrorist attacks were at their lowest in over a decade in Nigeria. In just eight months, over 592 terrorists have been neutralised in Borno State alone, 11,200 hostages freed, and 124 insurgents with their families have surrendered, handing over more than 11,000 weapons," the minister said.
He added that the Tinubu administration has invested heavily in modern security equipment and increased budgetary allocations for the military.
Citing counterinsurgency operations in the North-West, Idris disclosed that several notorious bandit leaders, including Ali Kachalla, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu, had been eliminated in military offensives across Zamfara and Niger states.
"In the North-West, 11,250 hostages have been freed. In one operation alone this August, over 400 armed bandits were intercepted and killed while attempting to attack a village in Zamfara State," he said.
The development followed President Trump's statement last Friday, in which the US leader alleged that Christianity was facing "an existential threat" in Nigeria, claiming that "thousands of Christians" were being killed by radical Islamists.
Trump had directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the matter, warning that the US "cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening."
"I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’ But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!
"I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me.
"The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World," he said.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Calm Regardless of Trump’s Threats About Nigeria’s Security – Minister