The Federal Government of Nigeria is holding discussions with the United States over the military threat issued by US President Donald Trump, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has confirmed.
Speaking during an interview on Sky News, Idris said diplomatic channels have been opened and are proving effective in clarifying the complexities of Nigeria’s security situation.
“Channels of communication have been opened. I can confirm that we are talking with them, and I think they are understanding the situation better. We believe that most of the information is a result of a lack of a proper understanding of the diversity and complexity of the problem we have at hand,” he said.
The minister emphasized that Nigeria has not lost any territory to Boko Haram and described the ongoing fight against insurgency as unconventional warfare. He also alleged that some US lobby groups have direct links to proscribed separatist elements in Nigeria, which aim to misinform American authorities.
“We are seeing a direct connection between (US) lobbyists and a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria. They have set up this lobby in the US, contacting high-up people to help them influence decisions,” Idris said.
Despite the tensions, Idris reaffirmed that the United States has historically supported Nigeria in counterterrorism efforts and urged renewed collaboration to bring lasting peace.
“Yes, indeed, the situation is there. We have conflict in Nigeria, a security situation, but in the past, the US government has helped Nigerian authorities. We are calling on them to partner with us once again to help achieve peace once and for all,” he said.
The minister also expressed surprise at some of the figures being cited by the United States and stressed that the international community must take into account Nigeria’s unique socio-political complexities.
“We want to tell the world that this is not the case, and to appeal to them that we share the concern of people from our country. We also share the concern of the international community, including the United States, about some of these killings going on. But we want an understanding of the diversity and complexity of the situation,” Idris said.
He questioned the reliability of data used to justify claims of religious intolerance in Nigeria, insisting that much of it does not withstand scientific scrutiny. Idris reiterated that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees religious freedom and affirmed the country remains a multi-faith nation, stressing that the conflict is not driven by religious persecution.
The remarks follow President Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over the reported killings of Christians, which he described as “Christian genocide.” Trump has threatened military intervention in Nigeria and warned of possible cuts in US aid if the killings are not addressed.