The Federal Government has opened diplomatic talks with the United States following President Donald Trump’s threat to launch a military attack on Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in an interview with Sky News, saying diplomatic efforts were underway to calm tensions and correct misconceptions surrounding 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,” Idris said.
He explained that the Federal Government was engaging Washington through diplomatic channels to ensure a peaceful resolution.
According to him, the U.S. president’s statement appeared to have been influenced by misinformation from certain lobbyists allegedly working with a proscribed separatist organisation in Nigeria.
“We are seeing a direct connection between U.S. lobbyists and a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria. They have set up this lobby in the U.S., contacting high-level individuals to misinform them,” the minister alleged.
Idris dismissed the claim that Nigeria had lost territories to Boko Haram terrorists, stressing that the nation’s ongoing security challenges were not based on religion but on complex internal conflicts.
“Yes, there are conflicts and security challenges in Nigeria, but the narrative of religious persecution is exaggerated. The Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and our nation remains a multi-faith society,” he said.
The minister also questioned the credibility of reports and statistics being circulated to justify Trump’s assertion, saying the data “cannot stand scientific scrutiny.”
He said the government remained open to renewed collaboration with the United States in the fight against terrorism.
“The U.S. has always supported Nigeria in combating terrorism, and we are calling on them to continue that partnership so we can bring lasting peace to our country,” Idris added.
President Trump had, on November 2, ordered the Pentagon to prepare a plan of attack in Nigeria, warning that Christianity was “facing an existential threat” in the country.
“If Nigeria does not stem the killings, the United States will attack — it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
When asked later aboard Air Force One whether he was considering deploying U.S. troops or launching air strikes, Trump replied, “Could be, I envisage a lot of things.”
The remark has since triggered global concern, with Nigeria and several international observers calling for restraint and diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Idris reiterated that the Nigerian government shares the concerns of the international community over killings in the country but urged a nuanced understanding of its internal complexities
“We want to tell the world that while we share concerns about these unfortunate killings, they are not religiously motivated. What we seek now is understanding and cooperation, not confrontation,” he said.
Diplomatic sources in Abuja told PLATFORM TIMES that both countries are exploring backchannel discussions to prevent a breakdown in relations, as Nigeria seeks to reassure Washington of its commitment to human rights and religious freedom.
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