President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said Nigeria is pursuing diplomatic engagement with its allies following threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump to take military action against terror groups in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja after swearing in two new ministers, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain calm and united. He vowed that his administration would defeat terrorism and secure the country.
“We assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country,” Tinubu said.
The President highlighted that Nigeria’s economic reforms are yielding results, citing the recent $2.3 billion Eurobond that was oversubscribed by 400 percent as evidence of investor confidence. He said his administration remains committed to stability and growth through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu’s comments followed Trump’s online posts labeling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and his directive to the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in response to alleged religious persecution.
FG: No Cause for Panic
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the Federal Government was calm and had opened diplomatic channels with Washington.
“There is no panic mode here. We are responding responsibly, steadily, and in the interest of our country,” Idris told reporters at the Presidential Villa.
He said Nigeria remains committed to protecting all citizens regardless of religion and described the administration as stable and proactive in addressing security challenges.
“Are there security issues in the country? Yes. Are lives being lost? Yes. But is the government responding? Absolutely,” he said.
Idris reiterated that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees religious freedom and tolerance. He added that the government would continue to work with security agencies to maintain peace and law and order.
Northern Groups Reject U.S. Threats
Meanwhile, northern leaders have condemned Trump’s remarks and U.S. lawmakers’ push to sanction Nigerian officials over Sharia law.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the Coalition of Northern Groups described the move as “a direct assault on Islam.”
NEF spokesperson Prof. Abubakar Jiddere dismissed Trump’s threats as “empty,” saying there is no genocide in the north and that both Muslims and Christians face similar security challenges.
He alleged that U.S. hostility stemmed from Nigeria’s growing ties with China, which he claimed “made Washington uncomfortable.”
Twelve northern states currently operate Sharia law to varying degrees, a practice that U.S. legislators like Senator Ted Cruz want banned under the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025.
