The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed allegations of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, stating that such claims are inaccurate and do not reflect the nation’s reality.
Oluyede made the remarks on Monday following a meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), emphasizing that Nigeria remains open to working with other countries in the global fight against terrorism.
“Terrorism is a global challenge that requires joint action,” the CDS said, responding to recent claims of a Christian genocide in the country propagated by some right-wing US politicians.
He explained that Nigeria continues to strengthen its security strategies while maintaining strong partnerships with international allies to counter terrorist threats.
“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 noted that while the country continues to grapple with insecurity, particularly terrorism, the armed forces remain proactive and united in addressing the threat.
“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.
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.
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 added.
The CDS reiterated that Nigeria’s security leadership remains resolute and coordinated in its mission to restore lasting peace across the nation.
Background
Oluyede’s remarks come in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians. The claim, which has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerian authorities and public figures, has been described as misleading and politically motivated.
The Nigerian government has since reaffirmed that the nation’s security challenges stem from terrorism and banditry, not religious persecution.
