ABUJa — China yesterday rejected the United States’ threat to take military action against Nigeria, saying it is firmly opposed to any external interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Recall that US President Donald Trump had last weekend, threatened to take military action against Nigeria, following allegations of genocide against Christians in the country.
The Chinese government’s stance came on a day the Federal Government said religious extremists are behind the narrative alleging genocide against Christians, warning that their goal is to divide the nation.
This is even as the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said yesterday that because of the need to take a co-ordinated national response to Trump’s threat, the Senate will take the matter to the executive arm of government, especially as the issue in question bordered on foreign policy and diplomatic relations.
Meanwhile, stakeholders, including the northern states chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, and the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, continued in their call on Nigerians to unite against the US threat.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, who stated his country’s position in a statement published on the ministry’s website yesterday, said China, as a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, is in support of the Nigerian government’s right to pursue a development path that aligns with its national realities.
He said: “As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities.
“We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and the use of force.”
Mao’s comments is coming in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing alleged persecution of Christian communities.
Trump warned that the U.S. could suspend assistance to Nigeria or take military action if the Nigerian government “continues to condone the killing of Christians.”
US lawmakers blast Trump, says threatening military action against Nigeria irresponsible, reckless
Also, two members of the United States parliament, Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs, have condemned President Donald Trump’s recent threat to cut off aid and launch military action against Nigeria.
Meeks, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Ms Jacobs, ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, described the comments as “irresponsible and reckless.”
In a joint statement on Monday, the lawmakers also rejected the Nigerian designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the Trump administration.
“The Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern ignores the complex reality of violence there.
“Clashes between farmers are many but not all of whom are Christian—and herders are driven by resource scarcity and land competition, not religion alone,” the lawmakers said.
They noted that terrorist groups had killed both Christians and Muslims across the country, particularly in the predominantly Muslim North, which continues to face violent attacks by criminal gangs, commonly referred to as bandits.
“All Nigerians deserve protection, and we know President Tinubu recognises the importance of inter-faith harmony and is working to address this challenge,” the statement added.
The lawmakers further criticised Mr Trump’s remarks threatening to “defend Christians” through possible military intervention, calling it a “reckless response to distorted facts”.
They said: “It is incredibly irresponsible of President Trump to threaten military action. Providing security support is one thing; threatening military intervention is another matter entirely. Such rhetoric risks embroiling the United States in another needless war.’’
On the threat of aid cut to Nigeria, the lawmakers argued that doing so would undermine critical humanitarian and development programmes in Nigeria.
“Trump’s aid cuts have blocked much-needed emergency nutrition and livelihoods training, the very types of programmes essential to stopping the spread of insurgency,” they added.
Religious extremists plotting to divide Nigeria, says FG
Also yesterday, the Federal Government reiterated its earlier position that there is no genocide against Christians in Nigeria, warning that religious extremists who are behind the narrative, are out to divide the nation.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who spoke to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that President Tinubu has remained calm amid threats from U.S. President, Donald Trump, and is actively working to ensure the international community understands Nigeria’s efforts.
Idris highlighted steps taken to enhance security, including the recent appointment of new service chiefs, were part of the government’s strategy to tackle insecurity.
Asked to respond to calls for dialogue with the U.S. and President Trump, he said President Tinubu is engaging various stakeholders and will continue discussions with religious leaders seen as crucial to Nigeria’s unity.
“President Tinubu will continue to engage not only with the U.S. but also with regional and continental bodies, as well as all international partners who have a role in supporting Nigeria to overcome criminal elements spreading false narratives that damage the country’s reputation,” the minister said.
He stated categorically that Nigeria is not characterised by religious intolerance, adding that “our constitution guarantees freedom of religion for Muslims, Christians, and others alike, and the President respects this fully.”
The minister, who warned against falling for extremist provocations, said further: “These extremists want to divide Nigeria, but now is the time for unity and nation-building, not division. President Tinubu is calm and committed to resolving these issues responsibly.”
He described his meeting with the President as routine, necessary for ongoing consultation, reiterating the President’s commitment to maintaining Nigeria’s security through recent leadership changes in the armed forces.
“The government is addressing both domestic and international concerns through open communication channels with international organisations to ensure understanding of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts.
‘’Nigerians are urged to reflect on their shared nationhood and reject divisive rhetoric during this critical period. The Federal Government remains focused on fostering peace, security and unity for the country’s future,’’ he added.
Senate to discuss Trump’s comments with executive arm
In a related development, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said yesterday the Red chamber will take Trump’s threat to the executive arm of government since the issue bordered on foreign policy and diplomatic relations, and will require co-ordinated national response.
He said: “We have not discussed the issue of President Trump yet in chambers. We shall do so in combination with the executive because we believe it is a matter of foreign policy and diplomatic relations.
“I have refrained from taking any motion on that yet until we know the direction of government and what government intends to do.”
Akpabio noted that Trump’s position on Nigeria is not based on current realities but on an outdated report from 2010.
“The position is based on a purported 2010 report, 15 years ago, that they said some people came on fact-finding mission from the US Congress and went to only Plateau and Benue states; they did not go to Zamfara and other areas,’’ he said.
According to him, insecurity in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims and should not be viewed as a religious conflict.
Akpabio said further: “If you go to a predominantly Muslim community, terrorists and bandits cause you to kill people, the majority of those who die there will be Muslims.
“When you enter a predominantly Christian community such as in Benue and Plateau and then you cause mayhem, the majority of those who will die there will be Christians.”
He said Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as strength, not a division, noting that citizens of different faiths co-exist peacefully.”
US pursuing personal agenda – Ex-Army chief Dambazau
In a similar vein, former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, retd, said the United States’ threat of attack over alleged genocide serves no interest of Nigerians, insisting that the US only protects its own interests.
Speaking at the 7th Annual Lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria, JFCN, in Abuja, themed “Nigeria’s Security and the Quest for National Cohesion: A New Paradigm for Internal Security Architecture and Governance”, Dambazau alleged that the US is merely seeking an opportunity to establish an alternative military base in Nigeria.
“Whatever the US wants to do in Nigeria can never benefit anybody because Americans protect only their interests. Simply, the US is looking for an opportunity to establish an alternative base in Nigeria,” he said.
The retired general, who addressed the issue of national cohesion, said the lack of unity remains a fundamental obstacle to resolving Nigeria’s security challenges. He noted that ethnic, regional, and religious divisions continue to undermine collective efforts against insecurity, while political leaders often deepen these divides.
Dambazau also criticised claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria, describing them as propaganda amplified by US congressmen and some local clergymen. He questioned why the US, after over a decade of military presence in Niger, failed to prevent the escalation of insecurity in the Sahel region.
He added that effective security sector reform must integrate the military, paramilitary, intelligence services, and civil institutions for better coordination and national cohesion.
Trump’s genocide claim divisive, dangerous for region’s cohesion — ECOWAS
Also speaking on the issue yesterday, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, refuted allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, describing the allegation as deliberate attempts to sow division, fuel insecurity, and undermine social harmony across West Africa.
In a communiqué released yesterday, the regional organisation said extremist networks operating within parts of the subregion, including Nigeria, had indiscriminately targeted people of diverse faiths — Muslims, Christians, and followers of traditional religions.
“As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity or age,” the communiqué stated.
ECOWAS urged the United Nations and international partners to assist member states in combating terrorism and to dismiss as false any narratives suggesting that militant groups are waging war against a single faith or that a genocide is occurring.
“ECOWAS calls on the United Nations and all partners to support Member States in their fight against these groups and to treat as false any claims that these terrorists’ groups target one group or that there is a genocide of one religious group in the region.
“ECOWAS strongly rejects these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion in the region,” the statement added.
The bloc further appealed to the international community to continue standing with West African nations in their joint efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.
ECOWAS’ position follows recent controversy sparked by comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened potential military intervention and suspension of aid to Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.
Trump’s statement, a call for peace, unity in Nigeria — Northern CAN
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 Northern states and Abuja has urged peace-loving Christians and Muslims to use U.S. President, Donald Trump’s recent statement on alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria as a call for unity and collective action.
Chairman of the association, Rev. John Hayab, told NAN yesterday that rather than viewing Trump’s comments as divisive, Nigerians should see them as an opportunity to work together to end killings and religious intolerance across the country.
The CAN chairman said Trump’s threat should serve as a wake-up call for both faith communities to demand concrete steps from the government to ensure safety and freedom of all citizens, irrespective of religion or identity.
“Trump’s statement about Christian genocide in Nigeria should be an opportunity for peace-loving Christians and Muslims to unite and demand concrete action by our government to stop the killing of anybody because of religion or any form of identity,” Hayab said.
According to him, a fair reading of Trump’s words reveals concern rather than condemnation, and portrays the voice of an outsider urging Nigerians to uphold peace and unity.
“If you choose to read President Trump’s statement with an open mind, you will simply hear the voice of a visitor who cares about you and wants you to do something serious to enjoy peace and unity in your country,” he added.
Hayab cautioned against individuals or groups who might twist the U.S. leader’s remarks to fuel division among Nigerians.
“We should disregard those who are manipulating and twisting what was said to instigate us against one another to divide us further,” he added.
Southern, Middle Belt leaders reject unsolicited US military invasion
Similarly, the national caucus of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF, did not only reject President Trump’s military action threat but also asked Nigerians to unite against such an action.
The SMBLF, explained that President Donald Trump’s threat to unleash the military might of the United States of America on Nigeria to stop the killing of Christians should be considered a wake-up call to Nigeria’s leadership.
A communique issued after the forum’s meeting, jointly signed by HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Leader, Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, (President, Middle Belt Forum), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide) and Ambassador Godknows Igali (National Chairman, PANDEF), read: “On the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, the SMBLF notes with very serious concern the designation by the US President Donald Trump of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious persecution against Christians.
“The SMBLF affirms its opposition to any unsolicited foreign military intervention in Nigeria over any matter.
“However, we consider the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern a wake-up call to the Federal Government to pursue with a sense of urgency and responsibility, a halt to ongoing mayhem and killings.
“Furthermore, face the issues on ground in disarming and prosecuting known militias and killer herdsmen and Islamist terrorists responsible for this, and restore occupied lands to rightful owners of all faiths and ethnic nationalities, especially in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Gombe, Southern Bornu, Southern Kebbi and the rest of the country.”
The SMBLF acknowledged the recent reshuffling of the service chiefs, and welcomed the appointment of new ones.
It however, urged the President to extend this reform to the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of State for Defence “all of whom are currently from one section of the country.”
Nigeria needs partnership, not military invasion to defeat terrorism, NCPC boss, Bishop Adegbite cautions
On its part, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, said Nigeria needs help, not threat of invasion from the United States to tackle terrorism and make Nigeria safer for all, irrespective of religious faith.
Executive Secretary of the commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, who said this at a briefing in Abuja yesterday, also clarified that the current security challenge facing Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims and is not targeted at any particular religion.
Drawing data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, ACLED, and the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa, ORFA, Bishop Adegbite revealed that between 2020 and 2025, over 20,000 civilians lost their lives in various conflicts across the country, including Christians and Muslims.
“These figures underscore the fact that Nigeria’s challenge is not genocide against a particular faith but a complex national Security emergency.
“The government has never sanctioned violence against any faith group. What Nigeria needs from the international community is partnership, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training, and humanitarian aid, not threats of military invasion.
Ex-envoy slams Trump’s military threat against Nigeria
In his reaction, former Deputy Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, Ambassador Hassan Mohammed, also faulted Trump’s threat.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Monday night, Mohammed said while the United States had the legal authority to pressure countries failing to uphold freedom of religion under its 1998 International Freedom of Religious Act, the law didn’t grant the US the right to declare war or carry out military action over such matters.
“In 1998, a law came up in the United States — that’s the International Freedom of Religions Act, IFRA. That act provides the United States the right to pressure any country that is not doing the right thing in terms of religion, religious worship, and religious practices.
“What is worrying in the pronouncements so far is the fact that President Trump threatened to punish Nigeria in terms of war or strikes, or invasion. This has never happened before,” Mohammed said.
The former envoy recalled that Nigeria had previously been listed under the Act in 2001 and 2002, but noted that the issue was resolved amicably through dialogue.
He noted that the IFRA intended to promote fairness and accountability in how nations handled religious matters, not to justify threats of war.”
“The provision is that they want you to come clean, to make sure you are fair to everybody. And once you fail, they will put some pressure on you, on your country to perform.”
VANGUARD.
