The Federal Government says it has opened diplomatic talks with the United States following threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to launch military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in an interview with Sky News, confirming that both governments are engaging through diplomatic channels to ease rising tensions.
“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. “We believe that most of the information is a result of a lack of proper understanding of the diversity and complexity of the problem we have at hand.”
The minister stressed that Nigeria has not lost any territory to Boko Haram terrorists, explaining that the country’s fight against insurgency differs from conventional warfare.
He also alleged that certain proscribed separatist groups are working with U.S.-based lobbyists to misinform Washington about Nigeria’s internal situation.
“We are seeing a direct connection between (U.S.) lobbyists and a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria. They have set up lobbying structures in the United States, contacting influential people to push their agenda,” Idris claimed.
Despite recent tensions, the minister commended the U.S. for its past support in combating terrorism, urging continued cooperation.
“Yes, we have security challenges, but the United States has always helped us in the past. We are calling on them to partner with us once again so that peace can finally prevail in our country,” he said.
Idris also challenged the credibility of data being cited to support claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, saying many of the statistics “cannot stand scientific scrutiny.”
He reiterated that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that the ongoing conflicts are not rooted in religious intolerance.
“We share the concern of the international community, including the U.S., about the killings. But what we seek now is understanding of the diversity and complexity of the Nigerian situation,” the minister added.
The diplomatic exchanges follow a series of controversial statements by President Trump, who on November 2 ordered the Pentagon to prepare a “plan of attack” in Nigeria, claiming Christianity was “facing an existential threat” in the country.
“If Nigeria does not stem the killings, the United States will attack — and it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
He later reiterated his threat aboard Air Force One, saying military options “could be” on the table.
Trump’s comments have sparked global concern and drawn sharp reactions from political and diplomatic circles, prompting Nigeria’s government to seek de-escalation through direct engagement with Washington.
