Trump’s CPC Designation Wake-up Call, Says Group

A civil society organisation, the North Central Peace and Unity Forum (NOCPUF), has described the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the U.S. President Donald Trump as a wake-up call to support the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

In a statement signed by NOCPUF’s convener, Dr. Bem Ugoh, and national coordinator, Prince Mark Elayo (Turakin Keana), the group noted that the security challenges predate the current administration and are orchestrated by Nigeria’s enemies to undermine peace, unity, and the nation’s democratic institutions.

“Extreme hostilities have increasingly targeted worship centers, resulting in massive, indiscriminate attacks. While we welcome the declared intent of the United States to assist Nigeria in addressing these threats, efforts must be holistic and free from religious bias, as attacks have targeted both Christians and Muslims,” the statement said.

The group emphasised that international support should respect Nigeria’s secular constitution and warned against attempts to use the CPC designation to discredit the Tinubu administration or destabilize the country.

NOCPUF pledged continued collaboration with the government and the North Central Development Commission to strengthen community engagement and participation, contributing to peace and security in the region and the country.

The statement also welcomed the stepped-up U.S. security cooperation, including enhanced intelligence sharing, faster processing of defence equipment requests, and possible transfers of excess defence articles, following recent meetings between a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and senior U.S. officials.

The group expressed particular satisfaction over the release of abducted students and worshippers, describing it as a positive outcome of ongoing security efforts.