Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, has urged the United States to assist Nigeria with advanced technology to tackle insecurity.
Kwankwaso made the call on Sunday via his X account, stressing that threats from foreign powers could worsen divisions in the country.
“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he wrote.
His remarks follow US President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over claims of Christian genocide. On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria” and blamed “radical Islamists” for killing thousands of Christians.
Trump further warned that US troops could enter Nigeria if the federal government fails to act. “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” he said.
Kwankwaso emphasized that Nigeria’s insecurity affects all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. “It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.
The NNPP chieftain called on the Nigerian government to engage diplomatically with the US, suggesting the appointment of special envoys and permanent ambassadors to safeguard Nigeria’s interests internationally. He also encouraged Nigerians to prioritise unity over division during this period of heightened attention.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has dismissed the Christian genocide claim. In a statement, Tinubu said Nigeria respects all religions and remains committed to protecting religious freedom. “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it recognise government efforts to safeguard freedom of religion and belief. Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he affirmed.
Kwankwaso’s comments underscore the call for diplomacy and technological support rather than foreign threats, highlighting Nigeria’s sovereignty and the need for unity in addressing nationwide security challenges.