The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has called on the international community to support Nigeria through partnership and collaboration, rather than threats of military intervention, in addressing the country’s security challenges.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Bishop Adegbite emphasized that Nigeria’s current security crisis affects all citizens, regardless of religion, and is not targeted at any particular faith.

A statement by Mr. Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NCPC, said Adegbite’s remarks came in response to recent threats of U.S. military intervention over alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria.

Citing data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), the bishop revealed that more than 20,000 civilians—Christians and Muslims alike—have died in conflicts across Nigeria between 2020 and 2025.

“These numbers highlight that Nigeria’s problem is a complex national security challenge, not a targeted genocide against Christians,” Adegbite said.

He stressed that what Nigeria needs from the global community is partnership, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, and humanitarian aid—not threats of invasion. “The security issues confronting our nation should not be misrepresented as a religious war but as a fight against terrorism, banditry, and criminality affecting all citizens,” he added.

Bishop Adegbite commended the federal and state governments for ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and restore stability in affected areas, noting significant progress in recent years.

He warned that any reckless foreign military action could destabilize the West African sub-region, potentially triggering humanitarian and economic crises. He reminded the global community that Nigeria is a complex, multi-ethnic democracy with over 220 million citizens from more than 250 ethnic groups.

“What Nigeria needs is cooperation and solidarity, not coercion or divisive rhetoric,” Adegbite said.

The NCPC chief also praised the work of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), which fosters collaboration between Christian and Muslim leaders, describing it as a key platform for peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.

“The battle is not Christians versus Muslims; it is Nigerians versus terror. Our nation’s strength lies in our shared humanity, faith, and hope for a peaceful future,” he stressed.

Bishop Adegbite urged the media, international observers, and advocacy groups to engage with verified facts and support initiatives that promote healing, justice, and reconciliation in Nigeria.