The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed it is in talks with the United States following military threats by US President Donald Trump.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed the ongoing diplomatic engagement during a Sky News interview, emphasizing efforts to calm rising tensions between the two countries.
“Channels of communication have been opened. We are talking with them, and I believe they are now understanding the situation better,” Idris said.
He added that much of the concern from the US arises from a lack of understanding of Nigeria’s diverse security challenges.
The minister clarified that Nigeria has not lost territory to Boko Haram, stressing that the fight against insurgency is not conventional warfare.
He also alleged a direct connection between a proscribed separatist group in Nigeria and lobbyists in the US spreading misinformation.
“We have observed how these lobbyists in the US contact influential people to misrepresent the situation in Nigeria,” Idris stated.
Despite the tension, the minister reaffirmed that Nigeria values the United States’ historic support in counterterrorism.
“We are asking for their partnership once more to restore peace in our country,” he said.
Idris emphasized that the international community must appreciate Nigeria’s unique situation and the complexity of ongoing conflicts.
The minister also questioned the reliability of data used to claim religious persecution in Nigeria, saying it fails to withstand scientific scrutiny.
He reiterated that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees religious freedom and that the nation remains multi-faith.
Trump’s Threat
On November 2, President Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, ordering the Pentagon to draft a possible military plan in Nigeria. This came a day after he warned that Christianity in Nigeria was “facing an existential threat.”
Trump’s posts have threatened “fast, vicious” action if Nigeria does not stop the killings of Christians.
When asked aboard Air Force One about potential troop deployment or airstrikes, Trump responded, “Could be, I envisage a lot of things.”
His declaration has sparked widespread reactions in political and diplomatic circles, prompting urgent talks between the Nigerian and US governments.