By Peter Omopo
Oluyede Dismisses Trump’s Claim, Reaffirms Military’s Focus on Terrorism
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has refuted claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, insisting that the nation’s main security challenge remains terrorism and not religion-based violence.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Oluyede dismissed allegations by former United States President Donald Trump that Islamic extremists were targeting Christians in Nigeria.
“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria,” he said. “What we are facing is insecurity, particularly terrorism, which has been a persistent challenge for quite some time. The Armed Forces are working tirelessly to contain it and restore peace across the country.”
Oluyede highlighted ongoing reforms by President Bola Tinubu aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture, noting that recent appointments of officers with proven expertise in asymmetric warfare had begun yielding positive results.
“You will recall that just last week, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, recalibrated the security system by bringing on board officers of integrity who are seasoned in counterterrorism operations,” he stated. “We’re adding more impetus to our efforts to checkmate terrorism in Nigeria.”
The Defence Chief described terrorism as a global menace requiring collaboration among nations, stressing that Nigeria welcomed support from international partners willing to assist in tackling the threat.
“There are several countries facing similar challenges, and it calls for collective effort,” Oluyede said. “If we have nations ready to support Nigeria, we are open to that cooperation.”
His remarks followed a high-level meeting between the National Security Adviser and service chiefs, convened after Trump’s controversial post on his Truth Social platform last Saturday. The former U.S. president had alleged that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria and warned that Washington might “go in guns blazing” if the situation persisted.
The comments drew widespread criticism both in Nigeria and abroad, prompting President Tinubu to issue a strong response reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and religious freedom.
In a statement on his official X handle, Tinubu declared that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief, adding that his administration has maintained “open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike” since 2023.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” the President said. “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our reality. Religious tolerance remains a core tenet of our collective identity.”
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue partnering with the United States and other global allies to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen efforts toward peace, unity, and security.
Meanwhile, the Defence Chief assured Nigerians that the military remains resolute in its mission to protect all citizens, regardless of faith, and to ensure lasting peace across the country.
