The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed assertions of the targeting of Christians in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s primary security challenge remains terrorism.
CDS on Security Challenges
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on a Monday, Oluyede rejected the claim made by US President Donald Trump that Muslim extremists were deliberately targeting and murdering Christians.
* He stated unequivocally, “There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria. We are contending with insecurity, particularly terrorism, and this issue has been afflicting Nigeria for a considerable time.”
* The defence chief clarified that the Armed Forces are working tirelessly to counter terrorism and bolster national security.
* He pointed out that recent measures by President Bola Tinubu to reconfigure the nation’s security system are already enhancing operations.
* Oluyede assured citizens that the military would intensify its campaigns against terrorists and other criminals nationwide, pledging to “add more impetus” to their operations.
Global Perspective and International Cooperation
The CDS observed that terrorism is not exclusive to Nigeria, characterizing it as a worldwide problem that necessitates collaboration among nations.
* He declared Nigeria’s willingness to accept support from any country ready to assist in “checkmating the act of terrorism” within its borders.
* He reiterated the military’s commitment to re-establishing peace and stability across the country, urging Nigerians and global partners to continue supporting the nation’s efforts against terrorism.
President Tinubu’s Response to Foreign Criticism
Oluyede’s remarks followed a high-level security meeting and came in the wake of a controversial social media post by President Donald Trump, who claimed Christians were being targeted and threatened that the US might “go in guns blazing” if the alleged killings persisted.
President Tinubu issued an official statement to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and religious freedom:
* The President emphasized on his social media account that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his government maintains active engagement with leaders of all faiths to foster peace.
* He rejected foreign narratives that portray Nigeria as religiously intolerant, describing them as inaccurate and not reflective of the nation’s diversity and unity.
* Tinubu pledged to continue working with the United States and other partners to deepen mutual understanding and protect communities of all beliefs.
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