by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
ABUJA/WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has indicated openness to meet U.S. President Donald J. Trump after Washington warned it is reviewing military options in response to continuing attacks on Christians in Nigeria, his office said Sunday.
Presidential communications adviser Daniel Bwala told reporters that such a meeting “could take place in the coming days,” though no date or venue has been confirmed.
“Nigeria welcomes U.S. support in fighting terrorism, but our sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable,” Bwala said in comments.
Trump said on social media over the weekend that he had instructed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare options if attacks on Christians by Islamic militants in Nigeria continue. “We will not stand idly by while innocent Christians are being slaughtered,” he wrote, calling for stronger protection of believers.
His remarks followed lobbying by several U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups urging Washington to do more to protect religious minorities in Africa’s most populous nation.
NIGERIA REJECTS “GENOCIDE” LABEL
The Nigerian government denied accusations that authorities tolerate religiously motivated killings or that Christians face an organised “genocide.”
Bwala said militants in the country target “Muslims, Christians, and non-believers alike,” adding that it is misleading to describe Nigeria’s complex security crisis solely in religious terms.
Nigeria continues to fight several Islamic armed groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have killed thousands of civilians since 2009.
CHRISTIAN DEATHS ESTIMATED 58,000
Independent rights monitors report that Nigeria remains one of the world’s deadliest places for Christians.
The Nigerian-based Intersociety Group estimates that more than 58,000 Christians have been killed since Islamist insurgencies began in 2009 — a figure also cited by Vatican News and Catholic human-rights organisations.
According to Open Doors International’s 2025 World Watch List, Nigeria ranks seventh among countries where Christians face the most severe persecution.
Open Doors says more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria each year than anywhere else in the world, though attacks also affect Muslims and other groups.
A 2024 survey by Intersociety reported roughly 3,100 Christians killed and about 2,800 abducted in Nigeria during that year alone.
CALLS FOR RESTRAINT AND COOPERATION
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which represents churches and Christian groups, has urged international partners to support peace efforts without escalating tensions.
“We welcome attention to our plight but appeal for solutions rooted in justice, dialogue, and protection for all Nigerians,” the association said in an earlier statement.
U.S. and Nigerian officials have not confirmed any plans for a meeting.
Washington says it continues to assess “diplomatic and security options” regarding Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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