The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria, saying the country’s major security challenge remains terrorism.
Oluyede stated this on Monday in Abuja while reacting to a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that Islamic terrorists were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria.
“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria. What we are dealing with is insecurity, especially terrorism, which has affected the country for quite some time,” Oluyede said.
He said the Armed Forces remained committed to combating terrorism and improving national security through renewed strategies and coordinated operations.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s recent restructuring of the nation’s security architecture has strengthened ongoing operations against terrorists and other criminal groups.
“You will recall that last week, the President and Commander-in-Chief recalibrated the security architecture by bringing on board officers of proven integrity who are seasoned in asymmetric warfare to add impetus to our operations,” he said.
The CDS assured Nigerians that the military would intensify operations to tackle terrorism and other forms of insecurity across the country.
“We are going to strengthen what we are doing, add more impetus to our operations, and ensure that we checkmate acts of terrorism within Nigeria,” he said.
Oluyede, who described terrorism as a global challenge, said Nigeria was open to international cooperation in combating the menace.
“There are several countries also challenged in that respect, and it calls for collective effort. If we have partners ready to support Nigeria, we will welcome them to help us address terrorism within our space,” he said.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability nationwide and urged Nigerians and international partners to continue supporting the country’s counterterrorism efforts.
Oluyede’s comments came after Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, alleged that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria and warned that the U.S. might intervene if such attacks continued.
The post drew widespread criticism, prompting President Tinubu to reiterate Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and religious freedom.
In a statement on his X handle, Tinubu said Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his administration maintains engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace and unity.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said.
He described Trump’s characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant as inaccurate, stressing that religious tolerance remains a core national value.
The President also pledged to continue working with the United States and other global partners to deepen mutual understanding and protect communities of all faiths.