THERE IS NO TARGETED CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IN NIGERIA, SAYS CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, insisting that there are no targeted killings based on religion.
Speaking with journalists after a meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA) in Abuja on Monday, Oluyede said the country’s major security challenge is terrorism, not religiously motivated violence.
“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria. What we are facing is insecurity — particularly terrorism — which affects everyone regardless of religion,” he said.
The CDS was reacting to reports by some right-wing U.S. politicians, including former President Donald Trump, who recently accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to alleged genocide against Christians. Trump had even threatened possible U.S. military action over the issue.
General Oluyede described such claims as misleading, saying Nigeria remains committed to protecting all citizens and ensuring peace across every region.
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“We are open to collaboration with friendly countries to help us strengthen our efforts in combating terrorism within our space,” he added.
He also emphasized that the Bola Tinubu administration is working to restructure the nation’s security architecture to respond more effectively to asymmetric warfare and other emerging threats.
While the Defence Chief refuted the allegations of religious persecution, he acknowledged that Nigeria continues to face significant security challenges caused by insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts — issues that have claimed the lives of both Christians and Muslims.
Security experts and analysts have echoed similar views, noting that the violence in Nigeria is complex and cannot be attributed solely to religious motives.
General Oluyede’s remarks come amid diplomatic tensions following Trump’s recent statements and serve as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and its determination to manage its internal affairs without external interference.
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