Trump got it wrong, Nigeria fires back, says 13,500 terrorists neutralised

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Federal Government has firmly rejected the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution, describing the move as misinformed, unfair, and based on a distorted understanding of Nigeria’s complex security realities.

At a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the designation and the accompanying threats of military action by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying they stemmed from “wrong perception and misrepresentation” of Nigeria’s security challenges.

“The government is well apprised of the anxiety created by the U.S. government’s designation and the reckless threats of invasion by President Donald Trump,” Idris said.

“Let me state clearly that Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have affected Christians and Muslims alike. We mourn every life lost because even one life lost is one too many.”

The minister emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had demonstrated unwavering commitment to ending insecurity, noting that since May 2023, Nigeria’s security forces had neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists and arrested over 17,000 suspects, while rescuing nearly 10,000 hostages, mostly women and children.

“President Tinubu is more than determined to confront and end these security challenges,” he said, adding that “The President’s directive is unequivocal, that every inch of Nigerian territory must be secured, and every citizen must live free from fear.”

Idris strongly rejected claims that Nigeria’s security crisis targets any particular religious or ethnic group.

“Terrorism in Nigeria does not exclusively target any religion or tribe. As in many parts of the world, extremism is blind to faith or class. It is a war against peace-loving Nigerians and the unity of our great nation.”

He noted that the country’s fight against insecurity is being waged by a multi-religious and multi-ethnic military.

“Many of the gallant men and women leading this war are Christians, working side by side with their Muslim colleagues,” he said, stressing that “To suggest that the Nigerian state tolerates religious persecution is both false and insulting.”

The minister also linked the country’s security situation to broader regional instability, citing the collapse of Libya and the proliferation of arms and extremist networks across the Sahel.

“The reality of the Sahel cannot be ignored,” Idris said adding that “Nigeria continues to champion regional cooperation through ECOWAS and the African Union, and we work closely with partners, including the United States, to stabilise the region.”

Highlighting the government’s recent gains, Idris said the Global Terrorism Index reported that attacks in Nigeria had dropped to their lowest level in over a decade.

“Our military has killed over 592 terrorists in Borno State this year alone,” he said, saying that “Over 124,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered, handing over more than 11,000 weapons.”

He added that high-profile terror leaders, including Ali Kachala, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu, had been neutralised, while hundreds of suspects are now facing prosecution for mass killings, bombings, and kidnappings across the country.

“So far, 125 terrorists have been convicted, and many more are in court,” the minister revealed, adding tghat “These arrests and convictions show that Nigeria’s security agencies are diligent and accountable.”

Idris reiterated that the government’s goal is total victory over terrorism. “We shall not recline until the remnants of these hounds of death are permanently removed,” he said.

On the diplomatic front, the minister stressed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with the U.S., urging Washington to adopt a more nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s security situation.

“We call on our American friends to approach Nigeria with an appreciation of its complex realities, a vast, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious nation making significant strides in security and economic reform,” Idris said.

He praised ongoing military cooperation between both countries, noting the U.S. delivery of 12 Super Tucano aircraft and the planned acquisition of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters by the Nigerian Air Force.

“The Government of Nigeria remains open to constructive engagement and partnership,” he declared. “Our shared goal with the United States is the complete elimination of terrorism from Nigerian soil. We believe dialogue and cooperation are the surest paths to peace and stability.”

Idris reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to freedom of religion and human rights, saying the administration would continue to strengthen the military, reform the economy, and defend the country’s sovereignty.

“President Tinubu is leading from the front, determined to secure every citizen and every community,” the minister said.

“Nigeria is in capable and steady hands. We reject any misjudgment of our reality and will continue to engage all partners, including the United States, in mutual respect and collaboration,” he added.