CDS Oluyede Refutes Trump’s Claim of Christian Persecution, Says Nigeria’s Real Threat Is Terrorism

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed claims that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, stating that the nation’s foremost security challenge remains terrorism.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Oluyede rejected the allegation made by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Islamic terrorists were targeting Christians in Nigeria. He maintained that insecurity, particularly terrorism, has been the country’s main concern for years.

“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria,” the Defence Chief stated. “We are dealing with terrorism, which has affected different parts of our country for quite some time.” He noted that the Armed Forces remain committed to tackling insecurity and enhancing national stability, adding that recent reforms by President Bola Tinubu have strengthened Nigeria’s security operations.

Oluyede praised the President’s efforts to overhaul the security architecture by appointing officers experienced in asymmetric warfare, saying the move has boosted military effectiveness. He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces will intensify their campaigns against terrorists and other criminal elements nationwide, stressing that terrorism is a global problem requiring international cooperation.

His comments followed Trump’s controversial post on Truth Social, where the former U.S. president accused the Nigerian government of allowing the killing of Christians and threatened possible U.S. intervention. The statement drew widespread criticism and prompted President Tinubu to reaffirm Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom.

In a post on X, Tinubu described Nigeria as a democracy founded on tolerance and unity, emphasizing that his administration engages with leaders of all faiths to foster peace and security. He denounced attempts to portray Nigeria as religiously intolerant, asserting that such claims misrepresent the country’s diverse and inclusive reality.

The President reiterated that religious tolerance remains a core part of Nigeria’s national identity and pledged continued collaboration with the United States and other partners to protect communities of all faiths.