Oluyede: Nigeria’s Problem Is Terrorism, Not Christian Persecution
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has refuted claims that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, insisting that the nation’s major security challenge remains terrorism and not religion.
Oluyede stated this on Monday in Abuja while reacting to comments by former United States President Donald Trump, who alleged that Islamic terrorists were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria.
“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria,” the Defence Chief said. “What we are facing is insecurity, particularly terrorism, which has affected the country for quite some time.”
Recall that Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, had accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to the alleged killing of Christians and warned that the United States might “go in guns blazing” if the attacks continued.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing,” Trump had said.
Responding, Oluyede dismissed the claims as misleading and unreflective of the realities on the ground. He maintained that the Armed Forces were “working relentlessly to combat terrorism and strengthen national security.”
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According to him, recent efforts by President Bola Tinubu to overhaul the nation’s security structure are yielding positive results.
“You will recall that just last week, the President, Commander-in-Chief, recalibrated the security architecture by bringing on board officers of proven integrity, seasoned in asymmetric warfare, to add impetus to our operations,” Oluyede said.
The Defence Chief vowed that the military would intensify its campaigns against terrorists and other criminal elements, adding, “We’re going to add more to what we’re doing — increase the tempo of operations — to ensure we checkmate terrorism within Nigeria.”
Oluyede also stressed that terrorism is not peculiar to Nigeria, describing it as a global menace that demands international collaboration.
“There are several countries facing similar challenges. It calls for collective effort,” he said. “If we have countries ready to support Nigeria, we welcome them to join us in combating terrorism within our borders.”
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country and urged Nigerians and international partners to continue supporting ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Oluyede’s remarks came after a security meeting between the National Security Adviser and service chiefs, following Trump’s controversial comments.
By PRNigeria
