NSA, Security Chiefs to Address Nigerians Over Trump’s Threat

Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and top security chiefs will on Monday brief the press following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy American troops to Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians.

The planned briefing, according to officials, will clarify Nigeria’s security situation, reaffirm the country’s commitment to religious harmony, and address what the Federal Government described as “false claims and misinformation” from Washington.

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed the development during a National Joint Security Press Briefing in Abuja.

Issa-Onilu described Trump’s allegations as “false and a reflection of the failure of American intelligence”, insisting that Nigeria’s security forces remain fully committed to combating terrorism across all regions.

“The claims made by President Trump are not only false but a complete failure of U.S. intelligence. The Federal Government remains committed to fighting terrorism and will continue to ensure religious harmony and national security,” he said.

He urged the media to report security issues responsibly and avoid narratives that could inflame religious or ethnic tensions.

“The forthcoming NSA briefing will provide additional context, facts, and reaffirm Nigeria’s dedication to peace and religious coexistence,” Issa-Onilu added.

On Sunday, President Trump renewed his threat to launch military operations in Nigeria over what he called “systematic killings of Christians.”

When questioned aboard Air Force One about whether he was considering deploying U.S. troops or conducting air strikes, Trump said: “Could be. I envisage a lot of things.”

Earlier, the U.S. President had posted on his Truth Social platform that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare a possible attack plan for Nigeria, claiming Christianity was facing “an existential threat” in the country.

“If Nigeria fails to stop the killings, U.S. action will be fast, vicious, and sweet,” Trump warned.

Reacting to Trump’s comments, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, said Nigeria remains one of America’s key partners in the global fight against terrorism.

“Nigeria welcomes U.S. support to fight terrorism as long as it respects our territorial integrity,” Bwala told AFP.

He explained that Trump’s remarks might be intended to provoke a diplomatic engagement between both leaders.

“It is possible that President Trump is seeking to encourage a high-level meeting between himself and President Tinubu to discuss shared concerns over global terrorism and religious violence,” he noted.

President Bola Tinubu has previously rejected claims that Christians are being deliberately targeted in Nigeria, describing the allegations as politically motivated and inconsistent with the country’s multi-religious reality.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” the President stated.

Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria remains a model of religious coexistence, with both Christians and Muslims living peacefully across the nation.

“Our diversity is our strength. We have built bridges across faiths and ethnicities, and no external narrative will redefine who we are as a people,” he added.

Trump’s declaration has triggered widespread reactions from political, security, and diplomatic quarters.

Analysts say the tone of the U.S. President’s remarks risks straining relations between both nations if not managed through diplomatic engagement.

A senior security source told PUNCH that the NSA’s press briefing would seek to “reassure Nigerians and international partners that the situation is under control and that foreign intervention is neither necessary nor justifiable.”

The source added that Nigeria’s security architecture remains focused on neutralising terrorist threats, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and protecting all citizens regardless of religion.

As diplomatic tensions rise, attention now shifts to the NSA’s briefing expected to clarify Nigeria’s position, outline ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, and reaffirm the country’s sovereignty amid Trump’s controversial remarks.

Government officials say the press briefing will also serve to counter misinformation and project Nigeria’s image as a united, peaceful, and resilient nation.