Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has refuted claims of a Christian genocide in the country. This comes after the United States designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to alleged persecution of Christians. President Donald Trump warned that the US may intervene militarily if the Nigerian government fails to address the issue.

General Oluyede made the statement after a meeting with the National Security Adviser on Monday, emphasizing that terrorism is a global problem that has plagued Nigeria for decades. He assured Nigerians that there is no persecution of Christians, but rather a struggle against insecurity and terrorism. The Chief of Defence Staff noted that the military has been working to combat terrorism and is open to international support to address the issue.

The US designation of Nigeria as a CPC has sparked controversy, with some lawmakers and religious freedom activists claiming that Christians are being targeted. However, General Oluyede’s statement suggests that the Nigerian government views the situation as a broader security issue rather than a targeted attack on a specific religious group.

The conflict in Nigeria has been ongoing for years, with various armed groups, including Boko Haram, contributing to the instability. The Nigerian military has been working to combat these groups, but the situation remains complex and challenging. The offer to collaborate with international partners to address terrorism may indicate a shift in the government’s approach to tackling the issue.

The developments come as the international community continues to monitor the situation in Nigeria, with some calling for greater action to protect vulnerable populations. As the Nigerian government works to address the security challenges, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what role international partners may play in supporting the country’s efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability.