“Don’t Tag Us, Help Us — Tinubu Govt Begs US for Military Backup Against Terrorists

The Nigerian Presidency has urged the United States to provide military support in tackling terrorism instead of designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga made the appeal on Saturday while reacting to Washington’s recent decision, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria.

“Dear Secretary Rubio, there is no ongoing slaughter of thousands of Christians in Nigeria,” Onanuga wrote. “What we have are sporadic attacks by terrorists and bandits who target both Christians and Muslims. What Nigeria needs is America’s help in fighting these violent extremists, not stigmatizing us with designations.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, rejected Trump’s remarks, calling them “inaccurate and unreflective of the realities on the ground.”

“The allegations do not mirror Nigeria’s situation,” the statement read. “Nigerians of all faiths have coexisted peacefully for decades. We remain committed to fighting terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the rights of every citizen.”

The ministry added that Abuja would continue to engage Washington diplomatically to deepen mutual understanding.

Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, had claimed that “Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria” and directed U.S. lawmakers to investigate alleged genocidal attacks on Christians.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), however, maintained that insecurity in the country has reached alarming levels, urging the government to take urgent and transparent action.

Despite international pressure, the Tinubu-led government insists that Nigeria’s security challenges are being exaggerated for political reasons and that external partnership — not condemnation — is the real solution.