Just In: Defence Chief Denies Claims of Christian Persecution in Nigeria
By Daniel J Ojukwu
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed reports of Christian persecution in Nigeria, saying the country’s main security challenge remains terrorism.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Abuja, Oluyede said the claim by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Islamic terrorists were targeting Christians was untrue, stressing that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of religion.
“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria. What we are facing is terrorism, which has been a long-standing national challenge,” he said.
The Defence Chief noted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent security reforms were already strengthening military operations across the country. “Last week, the President restructured the security architecture and appointed officers experienced in asymmetric warfare to boost our counterterrorism efforts,” he added.
Oluyede assured that the Armed Forces would intensify campaigns against terrorists and other criminal elements. He described terrorism as a global problem that requires cooperation among nations and called for support from international partners.
“There are several countries facing similar threats, and we are open to collaboration to help end terrorism within our borders,” he said.
His comments came after Trump alleged on his Truth Social platform that Christians were being killed in Nigeria and warned that the U.S. might cut aid or take military action. The remark drew criticism both locally and internationally.
In response, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and national unity. In a post on X, he said the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, adding that his administration continues to work with both Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace and security.
“The portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu stated, emphasizing that tolerance and coexistence remain core values of the nation.