The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has called on the United States and its allies to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, and humanitarian assistance, instead of issuing threats of military intervention.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, made the appeal during a media briefing in Abuja, warning that any reckless foreign military action could destabilize the West African sub-region.
He stressed that Nigeria is dealing with complex security challenges, not a religious war, and urged foreign partners to avoid narratives that could inflame sectarian tensions.
“When a global figure such as President Trump describes Nigeria’s crisis as a ‘Christian genocide,’ it risks inflaming divisions and painting our multi-faith nation as a place of religious war — which it is not. Such rhetoric, combined with talk of foreign military involvement, is not only unhelpful but dangerous,” Adegbite said.
He described Nigeria as a multi-ethnic democracy of over 220 million people and 250 ethnic groups, where Christians and Muslims have coexisted for generations.
According to him, Nigeria’s security crisis is rooted in terrorism, banditry, and criminality, not religion.
“The Nigerian government continues to conduct military operations against insurgent and bandit groups across the North-East, North-West, and Middle Belt. Several terrorist leaders have been neutralised, kidnappers arrested, and communities resettled,” he added.
Adegbite also emphasized that religious leaders in Nigeria remain united against violence, noting that Christian and Muslim leaders collaborate under the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) to promote peace and understanding.
He urged international partners to recognize Nigeria’s ongoing efforts and to offer technical support and humanitarian aid that strengthen national security and unity rather than external military pressure.
Reporting by Florence Adewale