The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has refuted claims that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Abuja, Oluyede reacted to allegations by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had claimed that Islamic extremists were targeting Christians in Nigeria.
“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria. We are facing insecurity, especially terrorism, and it’s something that has affected the nation for quite some time,” Oluyede said.
The Defence Chief explained that the Armed Forces are fully committed to tackling terrorism and improving national security. He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent reforms in the security sector have further boosted the military’s operational efficiency.
“The President recalibrated the security architecture by bringing on board officers of proven integrity who are seasoned in asymmetric warfare,” he added.
Oluyede assured Nigerians that the military would intensify operations against terrorists and other criminal elements nationwide.
He also emphasized that terrorism is a global issue that requires international collaboration, adding that Nigeria remains open to partnerships with countries willing to assist in the fight against the menace.
Oluyede’s remarks came after a high-level security meeting chaired by the National Security Adviser, following Trump’s statement on his Truth Social platform, where he alleged that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria and warned that the U.S. might “go in guns blazing” if the situation persisted.
In response, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and constitutional democracy.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu stated on X (formerly Twitter).
“The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality.”
The President reiterated that his administration continues to work closely with both Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace, security, and national unity.
