Nigerians in the United States have strongly opposed any plan by the U.S. government to launch a military intervention in Nigeria under the pretext of protecting Christians.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday in New York, the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) and 19 other Nigerian organisations described the idea as “unacceptable and dangerous to Nigeria’s sovereignty.”
The statement, signed by OAN President, Ms Temi Aregbesola, was in reaction to a recent remark by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to invade Nigeria after designating it as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged killings of Christians by terrorists.
“While we share global concern about the killings of Christians, Muslims, and other innocent Nigerians, we unequivocally reject any foreign military intervention on Nigerian soil,” the group said.
They stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation and that the protection of its citizens must rest in the hands of its government.
“Foreign military presence is not the solution. The Nigerian government must take full responsibility for safeguarding its people,” the statement added.
The organisations, however, expressed disappointment over what they described as the failure of successive Nigerian administrations to stop widespread violence and killings across communities.
“The pattern of killings and displacement in several states reveals serious security lapses and lack of accountability,” they said.
The groups called on the Federal Government to urgently end the bloodshed and strengthen security across all regions by working closely with local authorities.
They also urged Nigeria to collaborate with international partners — including the U.S. — on intelligence sharing, training, and technology support, while maintaining its sovereignty and rejecting any “foreign boots on the ground.”
The coalition further advised the government to conduct a transparent public audit of security operations and create mechanisms for accountability, justice, and rehabilitation of victims of sectarian violence.
They called for a national strategy to protect religious and ethnic minorities and to prevent the country from further sliding into what they described as “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.”
The organisations also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to engage civil society, faith-based groups, and diaspora communities in rebuilding and reconciliation efforts.
“Nigeria’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ should serve as a wake-up call, not an excuse for foreign interference,” the statement said.
OAN and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, just, and united Nigeria where all citizens — Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists — can live free from fear and persecution.
The partner organisations include the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America, the Nigerian Lawyers Association (USA), Nigerian Nurses Association, Zumunta Association USA, Egbe Omo Yoruba, Eko Club International, and several faith-based and community organisations.
Founded in 1989, the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) has been at the forefront of promoting Nigeria’s image in the U.S. and countering negative stereotypes about Nigerians in international media.