Trump Threat: FG Affirms Diplomatic Communications with US Are Intact

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States is ongoing and producing positive results amid recent tensions.

The remarks follow US President Donald Trump’s claims last month that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups. On his Truth Social platform, Trump said “thousands of Christians are being killed” and designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” directing the Pentagon to develop “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria. His comments were condemned by the Nigerian government and drew concern from the international community.

President Bola Tinubu rejected the allegations, affirming that Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and protects the rights of all faiths, while China and Russia urged the US to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In an interview on Sky News’ The World With Yalda Hakim, Idris said communication channels between Abuja and Washington have been re-established and are proving effective. A statement by the minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, confirmed the development.

“Channels of communication have been opened; we are talking to them, and I believe they are gaining a clearer understanding of the situation,” Idris said. “Most of the information circulating seems to stem from a lack of proper understanding of the diversity and complexity of our challenges.”

The minister also alleged that some US lobby groups have links to a proscribed separatist organisation in Nigeria and are providing misleading information to American authorities. “We are observing a direct connection between certain US lobbyists and a banned terrorist group in Nigeria, and they have reached out to high-level officials in the US to advance their agenda,” he said.

Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its longstanding security partnership with Washington and called for continued collaboration in combating terrorism. “While we face security challenges, the United States has historically assisted Nigeria in addressing these issues. We are calling on them to partner with us again to ensure lasting peace in our country,” he said.

The minister also urged the US to better understand Nigeria’s realities, expressing concern over some figures and assessments circulating abroad. “We want to clarify the situation and appeal for recognition of the complexity and diversity of our context,” he stated.

Idris questioned the reliability of the data supporting claims of religious intolerance in Nigeria, saying, “Some of the assumptions are based on data that cannot withstand scientific scrutiny.” He reaffirmed that the Nigerian constitution guarantees religious freedom and emphasized that, despite ongoing conflicts, Nigeria remains a multi-faith nation and that the unrest is not driven by religious persecution.