Reactions continue to trail US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria, following his designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged large-scale persecution of Christians. Trump warned that American forces might intervene if Nigeria “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”

President Bola Tinubu’s Response

• Tinubu rejected the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant, stressing that it does not reflect the nation’s reality.
• He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard freedom of religion and combat violent extremism.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting terrorism while hoping the US remains a cooperative ally.

International Reactions

• ECOWAS dismissed claims of a Christian genocide, stating that terrorist violence does not discriminate by religion, ethnicity, gender, or age.
• China reaffirmed support for Nigeria, condemning foreign interference under the guise of human rights or religion.
• EU officials expressed solidarity with Nigeria’s sovereignty and victims of violence, emphasizing peaceful coexistence.

Public Opinion in Nigeria

• Many Nigerians welcomed Trump’s warning, arguing it highlights the persistent insecurity, terrorism, and religious violence across states like Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, Adamawa, Taraba, and Ondo.
• Critics argued that analysts misrepresented Trump’s statement, pointing to unresolved cases like Leah Sharibu’s abduction and mass graves as evidence of ongoing violence.
• Some commentators called the CPC designation a stigmatization of Nigeria, urging improved diplomatic engagement, intelligence, and counter-terrorism efforts.
• Several citizens suggested that foreign intervention may be necessary, citing government inaction and alleged connections between some officials and terrorist activities.

Key Voices

• Anyebe Ekainu: Advocated for immediate action to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
• Salaudeen Hashim (CLEEN Foundation): Stressed the need for strategic communication and stronger diplomacy.
• Michael Akor & Ibrahim Mohammed: Saw external intervention as a positive step to restore national security.
• Abdul Rahman & Anthony Ameh: Criticized government lethargy and resistance by some groups to foreign assistance.
• Chibueze Obi: Clarified that Trump’s threat targets terrorists and their sponsors, not Nigeria as a nation.

Overall Sentiment
While the US threat sparked debate, many Nigerians, particularly victims of terrorism, see external intervention as a potential solution to longstanding insecurity. Conversely, some caution against misinterpretation of sovereignty and urge a focus on strengthening Nigeria’s own security and diplomatic capabilities.