Nigerians Urge U.S. To Drop Threats, Call For Stronger Domestic Action On Security

By ESTHER McWILLIS-IKHIDE

A coalition of prominent Nigerians, under the banner Concerned Nigerian Citizens, has urged the United States to withdraw recent threats against Nigeria and called on the government to take full responsibility for protecting its citizens.

Speaking at a Kaduna press briefing, Dr. Bilkisu Oniyangi emphasized that remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, including threats to relist Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) or consider military action, have stirred anxiety and division across the country.

Oniyangi said, “This is our problem as Nigerians, and it will be solved by us. The U.S. and other nations should support us strategically, not threaten us.” The group stressed that Nigeria’s sovereignty must remain sacrosanct while foreign partners can help strengthen the country’s capacity to combat terrorism and instability.

The citizens also called on President Bola Tinubu to show stronger political will, directly reassure Nigerians about their safety, focus on reforming security institutions, and appoint qualified heads of missions abroad to protect national interests.

Highlighting the impact of insecurity on all communities, Oniyangi urged religious and community leaders to promote unity, noting that extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, IPOB, and bandits threaten both national and regional stability.

The group concluded by pledging continued engagement with government and stakeholders to foster peace, national cohesion, and long-term solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.