U.S. President Donald Trump recently reignited controversy by claiming that Christians in Nigeria are facing genocide, even describing the country as a “disgraced nation.” While Nigeria’s security challenges are real, Trump’s history of inflammatory and contradictory statements has led many to question the credibility of his claims.
During his first presidency, Trump once labelled Nigeria among African “shithole countries” and dismissed then-President Muhammadu Buhari as “lifeless.” On another occasion, he confronted Buhari, asking, “Why are you killing Christians?”—despite his superficial engagement with complex realities on the ground. Trump’s approach, marked by theatricality and sensationalism, has often overshadowed substance.
Trump’s political record is filled with contradictions. While condemning alleged Islamist violence in Nigeria, he has also courted controversial international figures, such as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, once considered a terrorist. He has previously amplified false narratives, including claims of “white genocide” in South Africa, later debunked by experts. His policies and rhetoric in conflicts such as Gaza have drawn widespread criticism, raising questions about the selective nature of his advocacy.
Within Nigeria, the so-called “Christian genocide” narrative has received both criticism and support. Some political actors and ethnic groups celebrated Trump’s threats of foreign intervention, while prominent Nigerian Christian leaders—including Benue State Governor Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, and public figures like Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri—rejected the claims, highlighting that violence affects Muslims and Christians alike.
Investigations indicate that the narrative was largely propagated by certain Middle Belt activists, IPOB sympathisers, and foreign-backed lobby groups. Reports show that while Christian communities document casualties in conflicts, Muslim communities—who have suffered major attacks by Boko Haram, bandits, and state-led violence like the 2016 Zaria Shiite massacre—receive far less attention.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu responded by sending a high-level delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to engage U.S. authorities. The delegation included Christian top security officials such as Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. General Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, underscoring Nigeria’s secular and unified approach to national security.
Despite these efforts, some U.S. officials continued to frame the issue in religious terms, repeatedly mentioning Christians while ignoring Muslim victims. This selective portrayal has alarmed analysts, who argue that it risks undermining national unity and promoting a biased foreign narrative.
Meanwhile, Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, sealing major defense deals and investment agreements. This highlighted a stark contrast in U.S. engagement, with strategic and financial interests shaping foreign policy rather than religious solidarity.
Security experts stress that Nigeria’s crises stem from criminality, poor governance, climate pressures, and economic hardship—not targeted religious persecution. Analysts warn that foreign-backed lobbyists pushing a one-sided narrative pose a greater long-term risk than Trump’s rhetoric itself.
Ultimately, Nigeria faces real security challenges that demand honest domestic solutions, free from external political theatre. Questions remain over whether Trump’s statements serve Nigerian Christians or his own political and financial interests.
Credit: The Nation
