Nigerian professionals in Europe have called on the European Union (EU) to restrain US President Donald Trump from taking adverse action against Nigeria following his recent threats of military action and designation of the country as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.

In a statement released from Paris on Thursday, the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) urged the EU to adopt a balanced diplomatic approach and strengthen its partnership with Nigeria through strategic support in combating terrorism, banditry, and insecurity.

The group described Trump’s remarks as “provocative and dangerous,” warning that such rhetoric could inflame tensions, embolden extremist groups, and undermine Nigeria’s progress in counterterrorism and economic reforms.

“We call on the European Union, as a global voice of balance and diplomacy, to restrain President Trump from any hostile action or policy escalation against Nigeria. Our country needs constructive engagement, not coercion,” the statement said.

Signed by Dr. Livinus Chukwuemeka Nwosu, ANPE President, and Mrs. Aisha Bello, security expert and secretary of the association, the statement emphasized that Nigeria’s religious diversity is a source of cultural richness, not division. The group criticized framing Nigeria’s security challenges as religious persecution, describing it as misleading and counterproductive.

ANPE noted that terrorism, insurgency, and banditry affect Nigerians regardless of faith or ethnicity, particularly in northern and central regions. The group urged the EU to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts through arms supply, intelligence sharing, and joint training programs, stressing that such cooperation should respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and avoid direct interference in domestic affairs.

“Europe has always been a trusted partner to Nigeria. We are confident that the EU’s leadership will help ensure that diplomacy, not division, guides the global response to Nigeria’s internal challenges,” ANPE said.

The association also highlighted Nigeria’s regional cooperation with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon to suppress terrorism across the Lake Chad Basin, stressing that President Tinubu’s administration is building institutions to protect citizens and restore lasting peace.

“Together, we can defeat terrorism and preserve peace but only through respect, dialogue, and partnership,” ANPE concluded.