Nigerians living in the United States have strongly rejected any suggestion of a U.S. military invasion of Nigeria under the guise of protecting Christians.
In a statement released on Wednesday in New York, Ms. Temi Aregbesola, President of the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), spoke on behalf of 19 other Nigerian organisations in the U.S., condemning the idea.
The statement followed a recent remark by U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly threatened to invade Nigeria after designating the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged killings of Christians by terrorists.
“While we recognise and share concerns over the killings of Christians, Muslims, and other innocent Nigerians, we unequivocally reject the idea of foreign military intervention on Nigerian soil,” the organisations declared.
They stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation and that the protection of its citizens must rest with the Nigerian government, “in collaboration, not under coercion.”
The coalition further warned that “foreign military presence is not the solution” and urged the Federal Government to take full responsibility for securing its people.
However, the groups expressed disappointment over the continued violence and insecurity plaguing Nigeria, blaming successive administrations for failing to address security lapses and hold perpetrators accountable.
They called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to halt killings, strengthen citizen protection, and collaborate with the U.S. and international partners on intelligence sharing, training, and logistics without compromising national sovereignty.
The statement also proposed a transparent audit of security operations, a national strategy to safeguard religious and ethnic minorities, and stronger engagement with civil society and diaspora groups in rebuilding affected communities.
“Nigeria’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ should be a wake-up call not an excuse for external interference,” the statement added.
Among the 20 organisations that endorsed the declaration are the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America, Nigerian Lawyers Association (USA), Nigerian-American Muslims Integrated Communities, Zumunta Association USA, and Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), New Jersey.
OAN, founded in 1989 to combat negative stereotypes about Nigerians in the U.S. media, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a peaceful and united Nigeria where all citizens regardless of faith can live free from fear.
