Olufemi Oluyede
Olufemi Oluyede, the chief of defence staff (CDS), says there is no targeted killing of Christians in Nigeria.
He added that the country is open to collaboration with other countries on combating terrorism.
He spoke amid claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria from certain right-wing US politicians.
Speaking after a meeting with the national security adviser (NSA) on Monday, Oluyede said terrorism is a global challenge that requires joint action.
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“Terrorism is a global issue, it’s a global problem. There are several countries that are challenged in that respect, and it calls for collective effort,” he said.
“So if we have countries out there who are ready to support Nigeria, we are ready to have them on board to help us checkmate the act of terrorism within the space of Nigeria.
“There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria.
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“We are facing insecurity, especially terrorism, and it’s something that has been affecting Nigeria for quite some time now. But as a group, talking about security heads, we’ve been doing our very best to checkmate this act of terrorism within the space of Nigeria.
“You will recall that just last week, the president, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recalibrated the security architecture by bringing on board officers of proven integrity who are seasoned in asymmetric warfare to add impetus to our operations.”
The CDS assured Nigerians that the military will intensify operations to ensure peace and stability across the country.
“Going forward, we’re going to add more to what we’re doing, add more impetus to our operations, and ensure that we checkmate this act of terrorism within Nigeria,” he added.
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US President Donald Trump had, in a post shared on his Truth Social account and the White House’s X handle on Friday, claimed that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria.
On Friday, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern”.
He has also warned that the US could enter Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” to protect the Christian population.
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