China has strongly opposed the United States’ threat to take military action against Nigeria, warning that it firmly rejects any external interference in the country’s internal affairs.
The statement, released yesterday by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, came after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to “defend Christians” in Nigeria through possible military intervention — a remark that has triggered widespread diplomatic and political reactions.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities,” Mao said. “We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and the use of force.”
Mao’s remarks followed Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” alleging genocide against Christians — a claim that Nigerian and international observers have described as exaggerated and politically charged.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria dismissed the genocide allegations, insisting that religious extremists are behind the narrative to divide the country. Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said after meeting President Bola Tinubu that the government is addressing insecurity across all regions and faiths, adding that “these extremists want to divide Nigeria, but now is the time for unity.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also announced plans to raise the matter with the executive arm of government, calling Trump’s threat a foreign policy issue that requires a coordinated national response. “Trump’s position is based on outdated reports and not on current realities,” Akpabio stated, adding that insecurity in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), accused the U.S. of pursuing its own strategic interests, claiming Washington is “looking for an opportunity to establish an alternative military base in Nigeria.”
Regional and religious leaders have echoed calls for unity. ECOWAS condemned Trump’s comments as “false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity and weaken social cohesion in the region,” while the Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged citizens to use the moment as a call for peace and reform rather than division.
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) similarly rejected any unsolicited U.S. military intervention, urging the Tinubu administration to confront security challenges and prosecute armed groups causing unrest across the country.
Also reacting, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) said what Nigeria needs from the international community is “partnership, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training, and humanitarian aid — not threats of invasion.”
Former Deputy Ambassador to the U.S., Hassan Mohammed, described Trump’s remarks as “unprecedented and reckless,” noting that while U.S. law allows diplomatic pressure over religious freedom violations, it “does not authorise threats of war or military action.”
Across the board, the consensus among Nigerian leaders, ECOWAS, and China remains clear — the situation requires diplomacy, collaboration, and internal reform, not foreign interference.
