US threat: Tinubu responds to Trump

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday responded to the threat of a military action in Nigeria by the President of the United Stated of America, Donald Trump. Tinubu assured that his government was engaging with the world diplomatically over the situation between the country and the US. Trump had alleged Christians’ genocide in Nigeria and designated […]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday responded to the threat of a military action in Nigeria by the President of the United Stated of America, Donald Trump.

Tinubu assured that his government was engaging with the world diplomatically over the situation between the country and the US.

Trump had alleged Christians’ genocide in Nigeria and designated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” and warned that “if the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria.

The American president had also instructed the US Department of War to prepare for possible action.

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Tinubu had on Saturday, through a statement rejected Trump’s designation of Nigeria and said the country remained a democracy grounded in constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and belief.

Speaking formally on the issue for the first time,  the president, shortly before the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday said: “The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with partners.

“We are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country.

“The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria.”

On the security challenges facing the country, Tinubu charged Nigerians not to succumb to despair, assuring that the government would defeat every form of terrorism and secure every part of the country.

He urged ministers and other officials to ensure consistency in communication and avoid discordant messaging.

“Do we have problems? Yes. Are we challenged by terrorism? Yes. But we will defeat terrorism. We will overcome the CPC designation.

“Nigeria is one happy family, and we shall spare no effort until we eliminate all criminals from our society.

“We want our friends to help us as we step up our fight against terrorism, and we will eliminate it,” Tinubu assured.

Addressing State House reporters later, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, disclosed that the government had opened the channel of communication with the international community, including the US, over the designation of the country as a Country of Particular Concern.

The minister said the present administration did not want to escalate the rhetoric.

He stated: “The responsibility that we have as a government is to ensure that whatever genuine concerns that there are to keep our citizens safe, the Nigerian government will continue to do that.

“But there is no panic mode. We are responding responsibly, steadily, and in the interest of our country, also taking into account the concerns both from within and outside this country of what the situation is. But let me say for the umpteenth time, Nigeria is a country that has tolerance for religion.

“The government is responding to some of these issues in a manner that will reflect who we are as a country, maintaining our respect and dignity as a country, and also, welcoming the partnership that we so dearly need from everyone, the International community, from within, to tackle this issue.”

He said the issue of terrorism, violence from extremists, is not something just done by one country.

“We have porous borders, and that is why we have cooperation with our regional partners. We also have cooperation with international partners, including the United States and Nigeria will continue to engage.

“Now, have we had any discussions with the government of the United States? Yes. Channels have been opened. We prefer that this situation be solved diplomatically,” he said.

 

US military draws attack plans on Nigeria

Meanwhile, the US military has drafted contingency plans for possible strikes in Nigeria.

This followed an order by President Donald Trump directing the Pentagon to prepare to intervene over the alleged persecution of Christians.

According to The New York Times, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) submitted the plans to the Department of War in response to the directive by Secretary, Pete Hegseth.

The publication quoted military sources as disclosing that three operational options were proposed.

The options include heavy, medium and light, each allowing different levels of engagement in Nigeria.

The heavy option, considered the most aggressive, would involve deploying an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea to launch fighter jets or long-range bombers at militant targets deep inside northern Nigeria.

The medium option recommends the use of drone strikes involving MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones to hit militant camps, convoys and vehicles.

The drones, capable of loitering for hours, would rely on US intelligence for precision strikes.

The light option, according to the plan, focuses on joint operations with Nigerian forces through intelligence sharing, logistics support and coordination against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups responsible for attacks, abductions and bombings.

However, Pentagon officials, it was said, privately admitted that limited airstrikes or drone operations would not end what they termed Nigeria’s complex insurgency without a full-scale campaign similar to Iraq or Afghanistan.

 

We’ll do things Nigeria won’t be happy about – Trump

Trump, in a video message on Wednesday, behind a lectern bearing the seal of his office, condemned the killings attributed to radical Islamist groups and threatened immediate consequences if the Nigerian authorities fail to act decisively.

Trump reiterated that the US would halt all aid assistance to Nigeria should the violence continue, adding that “there would be hell to pay.

“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid assistance to Nigeria,” he said.

He called on Riley Moore, a member of the US House of Representatives, and Tom Cole, chairman of the House appropriations committee, to urgently investigate the situation and report back immediately.

Trump said the US “cannot stand by” while such atrocities occur, not only in Nigeria but globally, reaffirming America’s readiness to protect Christian populations worldwide.

 

Bill seeking visa ban on Miyetti Allah in US Congress

A bill before the United States Congress has proposed visa restrictions and asset freezes on members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

This is part of the moves launched by the US government to tackle what it described as violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

On Tuesday, US Congressman Christopher Smith presented the bill seeking sanctions against individuals and groups “responsible for or complicit in severe violations of religious freedom” under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

Smith commended Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing ongoing reports of attacks on Christian communities in parts of the country.

The proposed legislation also names “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau States among Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs) — a US designation reserved for non-state actors accused of serious violations of religious liberty.

Other EPCs previously designated under the Act include Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, ISIS-Sahel, the Taliban, and the Houthis.

If passed, the bill would empower US authorities to impose visa bans and asset freezes on individuals linked to the named entities.

The bill was introduced after months of agitation by American lawmakers and evangelical groups.

The proposed law also mandates the US State Department to submit annual reports to Congress on Nigeria’s human rights record and to recommend visa bans or financial sanctions where violations persist.

 

We’ll support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism – China

Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, yesterday said China would continue to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

Dunhai made the comment in a statement published via X after a meeting with Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser of Nigeria.

He said, “As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to 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.

“China is willing to continue supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining domestic stability.”

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday in Beijing, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, had warned against interference in Nigeria’s affairs.

Ning made the comment while answering a question on Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over the alleged persecution of Christians.

 

We’re not an armed group – MACBAN

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has rejected claims linking it to terrorism or armed activities, insisting that it remains a lawful socio-economic body representing the interests of pastoralists across the country.

In a statement sent to Daily Trust and signed by its spokesperson, Adamu Toro, the association expressed concern over reports that a bill before the United States Congress had called for sanctions against MACBAN.

“We note with grave concern that the bill reportedly calls for sanctions on MACBAN. While we fully respect the prerogative of the US Congress to discuss matters of international concern, we must respectfully state that MACBAN is NOT A MILITIA, ARMED GROUP, OR RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT, but a socio-economic association engaged in lawful trade representation,” Toro said.

He said the association was unaware of any judicial or administrative finding in Nigeria linking MACBAN as an institution to acts of terrorism or organised violence.

“Where individual members are found culpable in any criminal act, we have consistently urged the authorities to ensure due investigation and prosecution.

“Collective labeling of the entire association, however, would be unjust and counterproductive to the very cause of peace and stability that the resolution seeks to promote.”

Toro explained that the herder–farmer conflict in Nigeria is a complex and longstanding challenge driven by environmental pressures, desertification, land-use competition, and weak rural infrastructure.

He noted that as climate change intensifies and grazing reserves diminish, millions of pastoralists had been forced into difficult migratory choices, often resulting in friction with settled farming communities.

“These are humanitarian and developmental challenges, not ideological or religious confrontations. Simplifying them into a narrative of ethnic or faith-based aggression risks distorting facts and inflaming divisions.”

The spokesperson reaffirmed MACBAN’s commitment to peace building, human rights, and national unity, saying the association continues to partner with government agencies to strengthen conflict early-warning systems and community mediation platforms, educate members on peaceful conduct and adherence to the rule of law, and support modernisation of livestock production through ranching, grazing reserves, and feedlot initiatives.

He added that MACBAN also collaborates with farmers’ associations, security agencies, and development partners to address the root causes of rural violence.

Toro appealed to the US Congress to engage Nigerian institutions and legitimate civil actors before taking any decision that could harm peaceful engagement or pastoral livelihoods.

 

Nigeria must rally consensus – Security expert

A security expert and Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Dr Kabiru Adamu, has advised the federal government to adopt a more coordinated and diplomatic approach in responding to the threat of military action by Trump, warning that failure to do so could have serious economic and security implications for the country.

Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, Adamu said: “The US operates on the rule of law and on the concept of functions. The president’s directives are exactly that – instructions.

“So, when he said he had instructed his Secretary of War to prepare for war, his secretary would also instruct the various organisations under him. So, frankly, I’m not surprised by that so-called plan. It’s normal in a society like the US.”

He added that what remained uncertain was whether Trump would actually authorise a strike against Nigeria.

“Would he want to do that and risk losing a strategic ally like Nigeria, especially when China has shown solidarity with us? China has issued statements and even held meetings involving its ambassador and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser,” Adamu said.

He said Trump might be using the plan as a bargaining chip rather than a genuine military strategy, noting that “there is enough understanding within the American establishment to show that his claims are not exactly correct.”

On Nigeria’s response to Trump’s comments, Adamu described it as “diplomatic,” but said the government had failed to rally local and international consensus to strengthen its position.

“In my opinion, you can summarise the government response in just one phrase, which is, diplomatic.

“You would think that by now the government would have rallied local consensus. I advised earlier that the government should encourage umbrella bodies like the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs to issue joint statements.”

“Pastors like Paul Adefarasin and several others have spoken against any planned incursion by the American state.

“The Nigerian government should have taken advantage of that to build solidarity and send a strong message. The government should involve the UN and get it to send a strong message that Nigeria is willing to partner with any ally, but not behind its back.

“Yes, we have problems, but we don’t want anyone interfering in our domestic affairs.”

He warned that if not managed properly, the tension could affect the economy, especially if signs of American military mobilisation appear.

When asked if Nigerians should be worried about Trump’s threat, Adamu said the concern should be less about the threat itself and more about the underlying security situation that made such discussions possible.

“As a security practitioner, we just released our October report. From January to October, about 9,400 Nigerians were killed. That’s worrisome. Yes, the monthly numbers are dropping—from a peak of 1,300 in April to about 640 in October—but 9,000 deaths in a year still put us among the top five most security-challenged countries in the world.”

He said the government deserved credit for the declining trend, but warned that the scale of violence remained unacceptable.

“The government needs to admit that and move faster to end the impunity within the security sector, where people are being killed like chickens.

“If we as Nigerians have become numb to it, the international community is not.”

According to Adamu, some Nigerians who appear to welcome Trump’s comments do so out of frustration with insecurity, but cautioned against viewing the issue through a religious lens.

“When Nigerians welcome an intervention by Trump, it’s rooted in their desire to end the impunity.

 “But Trump is selective in his narrative. He says there are only Christian killings and fails to see that Muslims are also being killed.”

According to him, that one-sided framing is dangerous for Nigeria’s unity.

 

Jega gives perspective

Mahmud Jega, the Editor-in Chief of 21st Century newspaper and columnist, gives perspective into the issue:

Three tricky options for Trump

I was looking today at the New York Times’ report on the memo drawn up by US military’s Africa Command based in Stuttgart, Germany, which has [imperialist] responsibility for Africa. The plan that it sent to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, DC was in compliance with President Donald Trump’s demand, via social media, for a military plan to attack Nigeria, ostensibly to end “massacre of our cherished Christians” by Islamist insurgent groups.

The plan’s three options, — light, medium and heavy — reminded me of what I read many years ago about the bureaucratic trick of sending memos to US Presidents. American bureaucrats, including security agencies and the military, usually provide three options in a memo to the President. The first and third options are visibly not to the President’s liking; it is always clear that the recommended option is the one in the middle.

Africa Command’s “light option” is “partner-enabled operations” in which the “U.S. military and State Department would support government forces in Nigeria to target Boko Haram and other Islamic insurgents.” This option, it said, is complicated because “violence in the northern Nigerian Sahel falls along linguistic, cultural and religious lines. Much of it is based on land use and tenure and is fomented in some cases by corruption in the Nigerian government. Farmers and herders in the region have battled one another over land use for decades, and militant Islamic groups have taken advantage of the distrust to push their own agenda.” Sounds like a quagmire for Trump.

Africa Command’s “medium option” is for drone strikes on militant camps, bases, convoys and vehicles in northern Nigeria, using Predator and Reaper drones. The problem, it said, is US recently lost its military bases in Agadez and Niamey, in neighbouring Niger Republic. Those bases are now in Russian hands, so it must instead launch drones from southern Europe or from the US military base in Djibouti, in East Africa. Or else, it must get other West African countries to provide bases, which it said will bring such countries on collision course with Nigeria. Quite a politico-logistical problem there.

The “heavy option” is to move an aircraft carrier group into the Gulf of Guinea and to deploy fighters and long-range bombers to conduct strikes deep in northern Nigeria. The snag here is that US military is in the process of moving its top aircraft carrier, Gerald R. Ford, from Europe to the southern Caribbean, for Mr. Trump’s war on drug cartels, “while its other aircraft carriers are currently deployed in the Pacific or in the Middle East or are undergoing maintenance.” So, no available carrier groups for war in Nigeria.

New York Times, America’s most prominent newspaper, said “the American military cannot do much to quell the violence [in Nigeria] unless it is willing to start an Iraq- or Afghanistan-style campaign… something that no one appears to be seriously contemplating.” All three options tabled before Mr. Trump are either unviable or unpalatable. No wonder that retired US Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Eaton, a veteran of the war in Iraq, said a war in Nigeria “would be a fiasco. It is like pounding a pillow.” The Times quoted “current and former military and national security officials, including those with experience fighting Islamist militant groups in West and Central Africa, as saying Mr. Trump’s latest directive “left them stumped.” 

No wonder. No evidence that Mr. Trump is a good Christian. Meta AI says, “Donald Trump doesn’t attend regular church services. Although he has been spotted at various churches, including St John’s Episcopal Church and Bethesda-by-the-sea Episcopal Church, his attendance is often tied to specific events, holidays or photo opportunities.” So much for a man who wants to save world Christianity. All he wants are the votes of America’s Christian evangelists, after hearing their rant in early morning Fox news.

Culled from: 21stcenturychronicle.com. Thursday