President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace across Nigeria, following renewed tensions sparked by the United States’ decision to designate the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). Addressing the issue for the second time within a week, Tinubu emphasized that his government remains unwavering in its determination to crush terrorism and maintain national unity despite external pressure and political distractions.
Speaking shortly before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) entered a closed-door meeting on Thursday, the president assured Nigerians, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the international community that his administration is fully engaged in both diplomatic and security fronts to end terrorism. “We are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism,” Tinubu declared confidently. He further noted that, despite political challenges and fears expressed in some quarters, Nigeria continues to strengthen international partnerships to enhance security.
The president also cited the success of Nigeria’s recently oversubscribed $2.3 billion Eurobond as evidence of growing investor confidence in the country’s economic direction. “The task ahead is immense,” he said, “but we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose.”
Tinubu’s remarks came just six days after he initially responded to the U.S. designation through a personal statement on social media. In that message, the president firmly rejected claims that Nigeria is a country hostile to Christians or any other religious group. He stated, “Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. Since 2023, our administration has maintained open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike, and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across all faiths and regions.”
He stressed that the portrayal of Nigeria as a nation of religious persecution does not align with the reality on the ground. “Religious freedom and tolerance are core tenets of our collective identity and will always remain so,” Tinubu asserted, reaffirming his government’s opposition to all forms of religious discrimination. He added that Nigeria remains committed to working closely with the U.S. and other international partners to deepen understanding and cooperation in safeguarding the rights of communities of all faiths.
However, Tinubu’s assurance was followed by a provocative statement from former U.S. President Donald Trump. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump threatened military intervention if the Nigerian government fails to decisively address the reported killings of Christians. He claimed that the U.S. could “go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to wipe out the Islamic terrorists” responsible for the violence. Trump also directed U.S. congressional leaders, including Congressman Riley Moore and Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate the situation, insisting that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities continue.”
The “Country of Particular Concern” designation, issued under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, applies to nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom. Nigeria previously held this status during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021 before being removed from the list by President Joe Biden in 2021. Its reinstatement has drawn both domestic and international attention, reigniting debates over Nigeria’s human rights record and the politicization of global religious freedom reports.
Tinubu’s repeated reassurances reflect his administration’s attempt to balance diplomatic sensitivity with internal stability, affirming Nigeria’s sovereignty while signaling openness to constructive international engagement aimed at ending terrorism and religious violence.