Berlin, Germany — Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has dismissed claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that the Nigerian government is complicit in the persecution of Christians, describing such allegations as “impossible under the Nigerian Constitution.”
Speaking during a joint press conference with Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, in Berlin on Tuesday, Tuggar said no level of government in Nigeria — federal, regional, or local — could legally or practically engage in religious discrimination.
“It is impossible for there to be any form of religious persecution supported by the government of Nigeria at any level,” Tuggar stated.
Trump Threatens “Guns-Blazing” Military Action
Last week, Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that his administration would halt all U.S. aid and assistance to Nigeria, accusing the country of allowing targeted killings of Christians.
He also warned that the United States could intervene militarily “guns-a-blazing” to eliminate Islamist militants allegedly responsible for the attacks.
Trump further listed Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious intolerance and human rights abuses.
Nigerian Government Rejects Allegations
Reacting to Trump’s statement, Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s secular constitutional framework, emphasizing that state involvement in religious persecution is legally and institutionally impossible.
He said the Nigerian government remains committed to upholding human rights, religious freedom, and equal protection for all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
The Minister stressed that terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria were not religiously motivated but were broader national and regional challenges linked to poverty, governance, and organized crime.
Defence Chief Welcomes International Support
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, also said Nigeria welcomes international assistance in combating terrorism, provided that its sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.
“If countries are ready to support Nigeria, we’re ready to have them onboard to help checkmate terrorism within our space,” Oluyede said.
Cleric Warns Trump’s Remarks Could Fuel Tension
Prominent Muslim cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, cautioned that Trump’s comments could inflame religious tensions in northern Nigeria, where both Muslims and Christians have suffered from violence by armed groups.
Speaking to Reuters, Gumi urged the government to address poverty and underdevelopment as the root causes of insecurity.
“Build schools, hospitals, markets, roads, and grazing areas so the people feel there’s a government,” he advised.
Gumi, known for mediating with armed groups, added that sustainable peace would only come through inclusive governance and social investment, not foreign threats or militarized interventions.
