The Nigerian Presidency has rejected the US designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious persecution, appealing instead for US military support to fight indiscriminate attacks by bandits and terrorists.
The Bola Tinubu-led presidency has appealed to the United States to provide military support to combat terrorism, while vehemently rejecting its designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga made the plea after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria, citing an “existential threat” to Christians. Onanuga dismissed the basis for the designation, stating: “Dear Secretary Rubio, there is no ongoing slaughter of thousands of Christians in Nigeria.”
He asserted the attacks are sporadic, religiously insensitive, and target both faiths: “Christians, Muslims, churches and mosques are attacked randomly.” Onanuga concluded that: “What our country requires from America is military support to fight these violent extremists in some states of our country, not designation as a nation of particular concern.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also dismissed Trump’s claims as “inaccurate and unreflective of the reality on the ground,” insisting Nigerians of all faiths live together peacefully.