ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian presidency has dismissed concerns following threats by United States President Donald Trump to halt aid and potentially launch military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, insisting that President Bola Tinubu is “well ahead” of developments in Washington.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu had anticipated evolving security dynamics and already taken steps to strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture before Trump’s remarks.
“President Bola Tinubu was well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America as he told the new service chiefs on Thursday, October 30, 2025, what Nigerians expect of them. No more excuses, he said. Nigerians want results,” Onanuga wrote.
Trump, in comments on Saturday, November 1, 2025, accused the Nigerian government of allowing violence against Christian communities and warned the United States would “immediately cut off all assistance” if the situation continued.
He also said he had directed the newly renamed Department of War to “prepare for possible action.”
The former U.S. leader added that the administration would not “look the other way” if Christians continued to be targeted, saying Washington was ready to intervene.
Onanuga countered that Tinubu had already taken “decisive steps” to reinforce national security by appointing new service chiefs and setting performance expectations.
The president, in remarks to military leaders last week, urged them to act with “patriotic zeal” and adopt innovative strategies. “Nigerians want results,” he said.
Tinubu highlighted the emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West and parts of the South, warning that they must be confronted early.
“Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups,” he said.
“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”
