Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed claims of Christian persecution in the country, saying there are no targeted killings of Christians.
He made the statement following allegations by US President Donald Trump, who recently warned that the United States could enter Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” to protect Christians. Trump had also redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA) on Monday, Oluyede said Nigeria remains open to international collaboration in tackling terrorism, which he described as a global problem.
“Terrorism is a global issue, it’s a global problem. There are several countries that are challenged in that respect, and it calls for collective effort,” he said.
“So if we have countries out there who are ready to support Nigeria, we are ready to have them onboard to help us checkmate the act of terrorism within the space of Nigeria. There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria.”
Oluyede added that insecurity, particularly terrorism, has long been a challenge in Nigeria, but security agencies are working together to address it.
“We are facing insecurity, especially terrorism, and it’s something that has been affecting Nigeria for quite some time now. But as a group, talking about security heads, we’ve been doing our very best to checkmate this act of terrorism within the space of Nigeria,” he said.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for restructuring the country’s security system to enhance operational efficiency.
“You will recall that just last week, the president, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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 noted.
The CDS assured Nigerians that the armed forces will intensify their efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
“Going forward, 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.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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