Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has reacted to recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, cautioning against any form of military intervention in Nigeria and urging the American government to adopt a more constructive approach in addressing the country’s security challenges.
Trump had on Saturday declared that he was instructing the U.S. Department of War to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to halt what he described as the “ongoing genocide against Christians.” His remarks followed his redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.
In a statement on Sunday, Dr. Kwankwaso expressed deep concern over Trump’s comments, emphasizing that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation grappling with multifaceted security challenges that affect all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.
“I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern,’” Kwankwaso said.
He cautioned that external threats or aggressive posturing from foreign powers could worsen existing divisions in the country and undermine ongoing security efforts.
“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he noted.
Kwankwaso urged the United States to assist Nigeria through technology and intelligence sharing, rather than issuing threats that could heighten political and religious tensions.
“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he advised.
The former Defence Minister also called on the Federal Government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Washington by appointing special envoys and permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests abroad.
“The Nigerian government should consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage,” he said.
Kwankwaso appealed to Nigerians to remain united in the face of external and internal pressures, stressing that this was a time for solidarity rather than division.
“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria,” he concluded.
Trump’s recent comments have sparked widespread reactions across diplomatic and political circles, with many analysts warning that threats of military intervention could strain bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United States — two strategic partners in counterterrorism and regional security.
The United States has been resolved in the ongoing fight against insurgency in Nigeria. They have their Intel as regards to what is going on in Nigeria. So let them do anything possible to stop this bloodletting. Enough is enough. Sovereign country that is killing her soldiers and citizens as if their does not matter