Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting possible military intervention in Nigeria, describing the narrative of Christian persecution as a politically motivated ploy by opposition elements to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Wike said those promoting the claim that Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria are doing so to stoke division ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Nobody will be happy for the death of anybody, whether a Christian or a Muslim,” Wike said. “No right-thinking person would say they are happy that people are being killed — not the President I know.”
He argued that the allegations were unfounded, noting that several top positions in Tinubu’s administration are occupied by Christians.
“The former Chief of Defence was a Christian. The Secretary to the Government is a Christian. How can anybody say this government will support the killing of our own people? It is politics taken too far,” Wike stated.
The minister questioned the credibility of the information being cited by the U.S. president, who at the weekend warned of possible U.S. military action and suspension of aid over alleged religious killings in Nigeria.
“I don’t know where the Trump administration is getting the information,” Wike said. “But nobody can say this government is stoking fire so that a particular religion is being violated. That is not correct.”
When asked if he believed the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) was politically orchestrated, Wike was unequivocal.
“Yes, it is a plot,” he said. “The opposition knows it is not prepared to defeat the President, so the strategy now is to divide the country through religion.”
Wike added that terrorism affects all Nigerians, regardless of faith or belief, and that the ongoing campaign to frame the crisis as religious persecution is deceptive and dangerous.
“Terrorists are killing Christians. Terrorists are killing Muslims. Terrorists are killing non-believers. Nobody should be happy,” he said.
The minister also warned that foreign military intervention would not serve Nigeria’s interests, urging citizens to unite against insecurity instead of politicising it.
“An invasion of Nigeria is not in the interest of any Nigerian. Look at Somalia, Libya, Iraq — after foreign forces came in, those countries became destabilised,” Wike cautioned.
He reiterated that the federal government is investing heavily in security and counterterrorism, stressing that national unity and collective effort remain vital for lasting peace.
Trump had over the weekend declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” following what he described as the “mass persecution of Christians,” warning that Washington could launch military action or suspend aid if the killings continued.
In his words:
“If Nigeria does not halt the persecution of Christians, I may send U.S. troops guns-a-blazing to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
The U.S. designation, according to the Family Research Council, is typically issued by the Secretary of State for countries accused of violating fundamental human rights.
Wike, however, insists that Nigeria’s situation is being misrepresented for political gain, urging both local and international actors to focus on constructive engagement rather than interventions that could further destabilise the nation.
