Nigeria ‘welcomes US assistance’ to fight ‘terrorism’ after Trump’s threats

Key Concepts

• Territorial Integrity: The principle that a state's borders are inviolable and that no other state should interfere with its internal affairs.
• Unilateral Strikes: Military actions taken by one country without the consent or involvement of other countries.
• Country of Particular Concern (CPC): A designation by the U.S. State Department for countries that have engaged in or tolerated "severe violations of religious freedom."
• Sovereignty: The supreme authority within a territory.
• Boko Haram: An Islamist insurgent group based in northeastern Nigeria, known for its violent campaign against the Nigerian government and civilians.
• Bandits: Criminal groups, often involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent activities, particularly in northwestern Nigeria.
• Farmer-Herder Clashes: Conflicts arising from disputes over land and resources between settled agricultural communities and nomadic pastoralists.
• Religious Tolerance: The acceptance and respect for different religious beliefs and practices.
• Genocide: The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group.

Nigerian Government's Stance on Foreign Military Assistance

The Nigerian government has stated its willingness to welcome American assistance in combating armed groups within its borders. However, this cooperation is contingent upon the respect for Nigeria's territorial integrity. The government explicitly rejects the idea of unilateral strikes by the U.S. on Nigerian soil, emphasizing that any assistance should be in the form of support to the Nigerian military, not independent military actions.

Response to U.S. Designation as a "Country of Particular Concern"

Kamir Imamortimi Bifan, a spokesperson for Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the U.S. government's designation of Nigeria as a "country of particular concern." He stated that the Nigerian government is resisting this designation, arguing that it is unfair to label the country as such based on the "perceived killing of Christians." Bifan clarified that while killings have occurred, they are not restricted to Christians. Muslims and traditional worshippers have also been victims. The government acknowledges the existence of killings but asserts they are not sanctioned and are perpetrated by terrorist groups and criminal elements.

Addressing Allegations of Allowing Christian Killings

Bifan strongly refuted the assertion, reportedly made by the U.S. President, that the Nigerian government is allowing the killings of Christians. He stated unequivocally that this is "not true" and that the government is "seriously against" such acts. The killing of any Nigerian, regardless of their faith, is considered a loss to the nation. The perpetrators are identified as terrorist groups like Boko Haram and other ISIS-affiliated groups, as well as bandits and those involved in farmer-herder clashes.

Measures to Counter Violence and Terrorism

The Nigerian government is actively working to address the security challenges. Bifan mentioned that the service chiefs in the country were recently changed, and the new heads of the military have been given a clear mandate to pursue those responsible for causing havoc. He highlighted that in the two weeks prior to the interview, the military had made "significant progress" in controlling criminal elements. The government is also trying its best to expedite measures to counter killings, as the loss of any Nigerian life is a significant concern.

Religious Tolerance in Nigeria

Bifan emphasized Nigeria's religious tolerance, noting that the President is Muslim and his wife is Christian. He described Nigeria as a country where families can have members of different faiths, practicing them without molestation. This diversity, he argued, makes it impossible for the government to sanction the killing of any particular group.

Concerns Regarding U.S. Aid Cut-off

The Nigerian government acknowledges that a cut-off of U.S. aid and assistance would have an impact, given the U.S.'s role as a key partner. However, the government is committed to finding ways to mitigate the effects of such conditions.

Clarification on Boko Haram Victims and "Christian Genocide"

Bifan reiterated that the majority of Boko Haram victims are Muslims, a point previously stated by the Nigerian President. He asserted that there is "no Christian genocide in Nigeria." He explained that Boko Haram operates primarily in Muslim-populated areas of the northeast, while bandits are active in the northwestern part of the country, also predominantly Muslim. While acknowledging that worshippers in mosques have been killed and expressing unhappiness with the security situation, he firmly rejected the narrative that the killings are targeted at Christians.

Conclusion

The Nigerian government seeks international partnership in combating terrorism and armed groups but insists on maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It refutes claims of sanctioning or allowing the killing of Christians, attributing the violence to terrorist organizations and criminal elements. The government is implementing measures to enhance security and is committed to religious tolerance, while also expressing concern about potential U.S. aid reductions. The narrative of a targeted Christian genocide is explicitly denied.