Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has rejected claims of Christian persecution in the country, saying the real issue confronting Nigeria is terrorism. Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Monday, Oluyede dismissed remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that Islamic terrorists were killing Christians in Nigeria.
“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria,” Oluyede said. “We are facing insecurity, especially terrorism, and it’s something that has been affecting Nigeria for quite some time now.” He emphasised that the Armed Forces have been working tirelessly to combat terrorism and improve national security.
The Defence Chief credited President Bola Tinubu’s recent restructuring of the security architecture for improving operational efficiency. “You will recall that just last week, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, recalibrated the security architecture by bringing on board officers of proven integrity who are seasoned in asymmetric warfare to add impetus to our operations,” he stated.
Oluyede assured Nigerians that the military would intensify its campaigns against terrorists and other criminal elements nationwide. “We’re going to add more to what we’re doing, add more impetus to our operations, and ensure that we checkmate this act of terrorism within Nigeria,” he said.
Describing terrorism as a global problem, Oluyede urged international cooperation in tackling insecurity. “There are several countries that are challenged in that respect, and it calls for collective effort,” he noted. “So if we have countries out there who are ready to support Nigeria, we are ready to have them on board to help us checkmate the act of terrorism within our space.”
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country, appealing for continued support from Nigerians and international partners.
Oluyede’s comments followed Trump’s post on Truth Social, in which he warned that the U.S. might “go in guns blazing” if Christian killings continued. The statement drew widespread backlash and prompted Tinubu to issue a firm response defending Nigeria’s record on religious liberty.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said on X. He added that since 2023, his administration had “maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike” while addressing security challenges that affect all citizens.
Rejecting the claim of religious intolerance, Tinubu said such narratives do not “reflect our national reality” or the government’s consistent efforts to protect freedom of belief. “Religious tolerance has been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so,” he stated, pledging to work with the U.S. and other partners to safeguard communities of all faiths.
