FG Dismisses Trump’s Military Threat, Denies Religious Persecution Charge
The Federal Government has dismissed allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria, describing claims by United States President Donald Trump as baseless and misleading.
Trump had on Monday threatened possible military intervention in Nigeria over what he termed “the killing of Christians,” alleging that Christians were being “killed in very large numbers.” According to a report by AFP, the Nigerian government rejected the allegations, insisting that the country’s constitution guarantees full freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination on any grounds Speaking at a press conference in Berlin on Tuesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said Nigeria’s constitution makes religious persecution impossible “There can’t be a religious persecution that can be supported in any way, shape or form by the government of Nigeria at any level,” Tuggar said He stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges are driven by terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes rather than religion, and urged the international community not to misrepresent the situation. “Our constitution guarantees freedom of worship and equality before the law. The government remains resolute in protecting all citizens, irrespective of their faith,” he added Tuggar also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to religious harmony and national unity, warning against statements capable of fueling division The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, also dismissed the notion of targeted attacks against Christians, explaining that insecurity in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims. “The insecurity in Nigeria is not about religion. It is about terrorism, criminality, and economic hardship. Both Christians and Muslims have suffered from these attacks,” Musa said Similarly, Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga described Trump’s comments as “misguided,” saying Nigeria would continue to uphold the principles of religious freedom and coexistence “Nigeria is a multi-faith nation governed by a constitution that upholds freedom of religion. The Tinubu administration will continue to protect every citizen and engage constructively with international partners,” Onanuga stated The Federal Government, however, cautioned against external interference, maintaining that Nigeria’s sovereignty and commitment to human rights remain intact “Nigeria remains a nation of tolerance, faith, and resilience. No one will divide us along religious lines,” Tuggar reiterated.
