A Nigerian rights group, CEFSAN, has condemned President Trump’s critical remarks about Nigeria, accusing him of neo-imperialist interference while also urging the Tinubu administration to strengthen security and protect citizens.
The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has sharply criticized President Trump’s recent comments on Nigeria, describing them as sensationalist, inaccurate, and reflective of a broader pattern of neo-imperialist interference in African affairs. CEFSAN argued that Trump’s warnings of possible U.S. military action and threats to halt aid undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and contradict the principles of the African Union’s Constitutive Act.
While rejecting external pressure, the group also faulted the Nigerian government for failing to adequately protect citizens amid persistent insecurity, urging stronger security institutions, improved accountability, and better community protection mechanisms. The statement added that framing Nigeria’s crisis as religious genocide is dangerous, noting responses from the Foreign Ministry and the NSCIA, both of which dismissed Trump’s characterisation and cautioned against worsening tensions.