Nigerians in the United States have firmly rejected any suggestion of U.S. military intervention in Nigeria under the guise of protecting Christians.
Their collective response came after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to “invade Nigeria” following his decision to designate the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged killings of Christians.
The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), alongside 19 other Nigerian groups in the U.S., issued a statement in New York condemning Trump’s threat.
The OAN President, Temi Aregbesola, described the idea as “dangerous, undemocratic, and disrespectful to Nigeria’s sovereignty.”
“While we share deep concern over the killings of Christians, Muslims, and other innocent citizens, we completely reject any foreign military intervention on Nigerian soil,” the statement read.
Aregbesola reminded Washington that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation, adding that its security must be handled through collaboration, not coercion.
According to her, “Foreign military presence has never been a sustainable solution. The Nigerian government must take full responsibility for protecting its citizens.”
The coalition, however, expressed disappointment in successive Nigerian administrations for failing to end rising insecurity across the country. They described the killings and displacement in various states as proof of “severe lapses and lack of accountability” in the nation’s security system.
The groups urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to immediately strengthen security in all parts of the country. They called for better protection of vulnerable communities by coordinating federal and local efforts to stop mass killings.
The statement advised the Nigerian government to cooperate with international partners through intelligence sharing, technology transfer, and training — but without allowing foreign troops into the country.
It also demanded a transparent audit of all military and police operations, as well as justice for victims of sectarian violence.
The organisations further urged Nigeria to create a national protection strategy for religious and ethnic minorities to prevent the country from sliding into a reputation of “systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom.”
They encouraged the government to engage civil society, faith-based groups, and diaspora organisations in designing a reconciliation program for affected communities.
“While the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ signals global attention, it must not justify militarisation or foreign interference,” the statement warned.
The coalition concluded that the warning from Washington should serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria to take charge of its own peace and stability.
OAN and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria — where Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists can live freely without fear or discrimination.
The signatories include the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America, Nigerian Lawyers Association, Zumunta Association USA, Nigerian-American Muslims Integrated Communities, Eko Club International, and Egbe Omo Yoruba, among others.
Founded in 1989, OAN is known for improving Nigeria’s image in the U.S. and combating negative stereotypes in Western media.