Former Kano State Governor and Minister of Defence, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi; human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore; the Middle Belt Forum; and the Northern wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), among others, have rejected US President Donald Trump’s threat to cut aid to Nigeria and attack terrorists in the country.
On Friday, President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a country of particular concern for the persecution of Christians.
Responding to Trump’s latest action, President Bola Tinubu stated that religious persecution has no place in the country, adding that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the protection of citizens regardless of faith.
RELATED: Cut Diplomatic Ties With US Over Trump’s Invasion Threat, Sheikh Gumi Tells Tinubu
The presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general election, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in his reaction to Trump’s threat, said Nigeria is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws.
In a statement on Sunday, Kwankwaso noted that insecurity does not distinguish between Christians or Muslims, adding that the US ought to assist Nigeria in tackling widespread security issues.
He said, “The insecurity we face is not distinguished based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs.
The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country.
“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.”
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to embrace unity rather than division at this time.
Sheikh Gumi to Tinubu: Cut Diplomatic Ties with US over Trump’s Invasion Threat
Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cut diplomatic ties with the United States of America if President Donald Trump fails to retract his military invasion threat.
Gumi, who stated this on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, said Trump’s threat was disrespectful to Nigeria’s authority.
“For Trump to threaten a sovereign country with military attack is a profound disrespect to our authority, but we can rise above it. President Tinubu should summon the US ambassador – they either retract their threats, or we sever diplomatic ties with this irresponsible regime. There are lots of other options for our economic expansion and military alliance,” Gumi stated.
Trump’sThreat To Launch Miitary Action Perilous, Sowore Tells Nigerians
Human Rights Activist, Omoyele Sowore, has said the latest threat by U.S. President Donald Trump @POTUS to launch military action in Nigeria, allegedly to protect Christians is perilous.
He said in a post on X yesterday, “Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, animist, or non-religious, no one should celebrate such rhetoric. The United States and its allies have a long record of military interventions that leave nations more unstable than before. They failed to secure peace in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, or Syria, and they won’t bring salvation to Nigeria through bombs or boots on the ground.’’
Northern CAN Clarifies Trump’s Threat, Urges Government Action on Killings
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has called on the Nigerian government to take decisive action against terrorism, stating that this is the core message behind former US President Donald Trump’s recent order concerning militant groups in Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, Hayab clarified that the international concern should not be misconstrued as a threat to attack Nigeria but rather as a call to eliminate terrorists operating within the country.
“I think we are twisting this thing. There is no threat to attack Nigeria. The threat is to come to Nigeria and get rid of the terrorists, not to attack Nigeria – unless we just want to use this to inflame misconception.
Nobody in his right senses should deny that there are killings of Christians in Northern Nigeria. Nobody in his right senses should deny that there is persecution and maltreatment of Christians in Northern Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the situation has escalated to the point of attracting international legislative action, such as the bill by US Senator Ted Cruz, and now commentary from a former US President.
President Trump Can’t Trample on Nigeria’s Sovereignty – Ekiti CAN
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State Chapter, Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye, has played down the threat of attack on Nigeria by American President Donald Trump over alleged Christian genocide in the country.
Reverend Aribasoye, who spoke to LEADERSHIP in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, said President Trump cannot threaten to invade and attack the country, as Nigeria is a sovereign state.
The cleric said, “Though he is concerned about Christians in Nigeria – that is acceptable – but the threat that he is going to invade and attack Nigeria, how, where and in what way?” he asked.
“Somebody was saying Trump and Tinubu will iron the issue out; I agree, but he should not threaten Nigeria. It is not acceptable because we have our sovereignty as a nation.”
Christian Youths Urge Tinubu to Avert Religious Tension over US Watchlist Tag
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that Nigeria’s recent designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) does not degenerate into religious tension or undermine peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, especially in the northern region.
The group called for calm and constructive dialogue.
It, however, warned that while international engagement is important, neglecting domestic dialogue would be a costly mistake.
In a statement by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, yesterday, the group noted that public reactions on social media underscore the urgent need for local engagement to prevent escalation into inter-religious misunderstanding or violence.
It recalled that Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and the NCYP had earlier appealed to the US government not to list Nigeria as a CPC, as such a move could “undermine the delicate interfaith dialogue and reconciliation efforts built over the years.”
“Unfortunately, President Trump has still gone ahead and listed Nigeria; as such, we must not allow this fear to turn into reality,” the group said.
Trump’s Threat: MURIC Warns Islamic Groups Against Formation of Militant Groups
Following Donald Trump’s threat to launch an attack on Nigerian soil over the Christian genocide issue, an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has warned against the formation of any militant group by any Islamic organisation in response.
MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, in a statement on Sunday, called for calm over the alleged threat.
“Such groups are most likely to end up harassing innocent Nigerians, including Muslims,” he said.
“Muslim youths, North and South of the country, are advised to avoid public protests over Trump’s threat. We should allow the Nigerian government to handle the matter through diplomatic channels.”
CSOs Condemn Trump’s Designation of Nigeria, Threat of Invasion
A coalition of civil society and non-governmental organisations, self-determination, and public interest groups under the banner of the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has described President Donald Trump’s threat to Nigeria as an act of aggression and intimidation by a bully.
Rising from an emergency meeting summoned in Lagos to deliberate on the state of the nation, they condemned Trump’s wrongful submission about Nigeria.
The coalition, which spoke through one of its leaders, Nelson Ekujumi, said, “As Nigerians, we are shocked, pained, insulted, abused, and traumatised by the brazen, irresponsible, insensitive, provocative, reckless, bullish, and condemnable designation and threat of invasion by President Donald Trump of the United States of America.”
Tinubu, Trump to Meet Soon over Nigeria’s Security Concerns — Presidency
The Presidency on Sunday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and United States President Donald Trump will soon meet to discuss security concerns relating to Nigeria and the global fight against terrorism.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Communications, Daniel Bwala, disclosed this in a post on his verified X handle, @DanielBwala, noting that both leaders share a common commitment to ending insurgency and all forms of terrorism worldwide.
Also, in an interview with Reuters on Sunday, Bwala said, “We welcome U.S. assistance as long as it recognises our territorial integrity. “
Bwala wrote on X: “Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump share an interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity.
President Trump has assisted Nigeria a lot by authorising the sale of arms to Nigeria, and President Tinubu has adequately utilised the opportunity in the fight against terrorism, for which we have massive results to show.”
The presidential aide added that the two leaders are expected to address any perceived differences over the nature of terrorist activities in Nigeria — whether they target only Christians or people of all faiths — during their upcoming engagement.
“As for the differences as to whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or in fact all faiths and no faiths, the differences, if they exist, will be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either at the State House or the White House,” Bwala stated.
Tinubu Saw US Plot Coming, Acted Ahead — Presidency
The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu had long anticipated the brewing diplomatic friction with the United States over the recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) on alleged persecution of Christians.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s decisive shake-up of the military hierarchy and his firm directives to the newly confirmed service chiefs showed he had acted ahead of the unfolding developments in Washington.
The Presidency’s position followed comments by US President Donald Trump suggesting that Washington might take “direct action” against governments accused of religious persecution, a statement that came barely a day after Nigeria’s CPC listing.
In a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, Onanuga wrote: “President Bola Tinubu was well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America, as he told the new service chiefs on Thursday what Nigerians expect of them. No more excuses, he said. Nigerians want results.”
He recalled that during Thursday’s decoration of the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu had warned against the rise of fresh armed groups in some regions and charged the military to crush emerging threats before they escalate.
We Are Preparing for Action in Nigeria – US War Secretary
United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the Department of War is preparing for action in Nigeria following reports of attacks on Christians in the country.
Hegseth stated this on Saturday in a post on X, in response to President Donald Trump’s earlier comments threatening military intervention over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
“Yes, sir. The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria – and anywhere – must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” he wrote.
US Already Made Arrangements, Say Experts
Nigerian experts in international affairs have warned that before the US made such a damning statement of threat against Nigeria, it had already made adequate arrangements to actualise the threat. Therefore, the Nigerian government should move fast to prevent such attacks and the looming sanctions that might cripple the country.
Former Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bulus Lolo, said Nigeria faces several sanctions following its designation as a CPC.
International constitutional law expert, Livingstone Wechie, told LEADERSHIP in an interview on Sunday that Nigeria should be worried because the situation is largely self-inflicted, warning that the implications are far-reaching and that more international sanctions may spring up against Nigeria.
He said, “The US may downgrade certain meetings or delay joint initiatives. It may increase international scrutiny from other allies such as the United Kingdom and the European Union, which often align with US human rights policy.”
We’re Disappointed with Designation of Nigeria – ACF
The apex northern socio-cultural group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has expressed disappointment with United States President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
In a reaction to the pronouncement, the Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP, said: “As with all patriotic Nigerians, members of the Arewa Consultative Forum have received with deep disappointment news of the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States.
“More concerning, and even alarming, is the egregious threat of what would amount to a foreign invasion of a sovereign African country by the US. Any right-thinking Nigerian, and indeed any serious analyst, will testify that the premise of the US action is grossly sweeping and misleading. With its vast array of intelligence resources deployed all over, the US ought to know better. Those who know better ought to think and act better.”
According to him, Nigerians — Christians and Muslims alike — have been suffering attacks from non-state actors such as terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and religious extremists across the North-East, North-Central, North-West, South-East, and other parts of the country.
“The victims of the senseless violence have included persons of all faiths. It’s sheer delusion to see it otherwise,” he said.
For years, Professor Muhammad-Baba noted, the ACF has been aware that successive Nigerian governments have appealed to the US for assistance to no avail.
He added that if the US were genuinely willing to help the Nigerian military wipe out the insurgents, everyone would be happy.
“But to think that someone, anyone, will come to protect Christians only is to engage in a quixotic mission,” he stressed.
He warned that history does not encourage anyone — least of all Nigerians or Africans — to view foreign invasion as beneficial.
“Let us remember the history and outcomes of such adventures in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and other similar conflicts. Nearer home, there are Libya, Sudan, and the Sahelian states, among others, until they had a rethink.
“To say the least, foreign military boots on Nigerian soil, whatever form it takes, will be messy. No rational-thinking person will want that.
“ACF welcomes the announcement by the Federal Government that it is developing and implementing counter-strategies.”
Professor Muhammad-Baba said the Federal Government deserves the support of all concerned. He added that the ACF calls on all Nigerians to engage in deep reflection over the matter and to support the government as it responds to the issue.
“Equally, sister African countries and other nations should be rallied for solidarity and support. Given its grave implications for the Nigerian project, ACF will continue to monitor, assess, and respond to further developments on the matter,” he stated.
Sharia Council To Nigerians: Don’t Let Foreign Lies Divide Us
The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Chapter, has condemned the recent decision by the United States to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Great Concern” over the alleged persecution of Christians.
Engineer Hassan Abdul Rahman, Secretary of the Council in Kaduna State, said the move by the Donald Trump administration reflects a “one-sided narrative” that ignores the complex realities driving violence across Nigeria.
“The Council is not happy with this development on allegations regarding Christian genocide in Nigeria,” Abdul Rahman said in a statement issued in Kaduna.
“The Trump administration should have sought a balanced perspective on the situation before jumping to conclusions.”
He stressed that the nation’s insecurity stems from “a complex web of ethnic, political, and economic challenges,” not a targeted campaign against Christians.
“By statistics, it’s clear that Muslims are mostly the victims in various instances,” he said.
“Attributing these tensions solely to religious motivations oversimplifies the realities on the ground and undermines efforts toward national unity and peace.”
Abdul Rahman accused Western powers of selective empathy, noting that global attention only intensifies when Christians are affected, while the suffering of Muslims worldwide is often ignored.
“Wherever Muslims are killed, it doesn’t concern the West or the U.S.,” he said.
“They always highlight issues affecting Christians while remaining silent on violence against Muslims. This bias breeds distrust and alienation among Muslim communities everywhere.”
The Council also expressed disappointment in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which it accused of spreading misinformation that fuels religious division.
“To CAN, who initiated these lies, they should know that when Nigeria sinks may Allah forbid it’s all of us that will bear the brunt,” Abdul Rahman warned.
“Christians, Muslims, not even pagans will be spared.”
He urged Nigerians to resist attempts by foreign powers to deepen sectarian rifts, emphasizing that peace and progress depend on unity and mutual understanding.
“Let us not allow foreign lies to divide us. Through understanding, dialogue, and cooperation, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a peaceful future for all.
“We advocate for unity among Nigeria’s diverse religious groups as a means to combat the violence plaguing the nation.
“We must solve our differences without inviting bloodthirsty imperialists to destroy the only nation we have,” he said.
The SCSN called on the federal government to respond firmly to the US designation, insisting that mere press releases are not enough to convey the seriousness of the situation.
“Our position is clear, we strongly condemn this decision by the US,” Abdul Rahman declared.
“The government must do more than issue statements through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Stern action must be taken, even if it means cutting diplomatic ties, to show the gravity of the situation.”
