Christian leaders in northern Nigeria have rejected United States President Donald Trump’s claim that American military intervention ended the killing of Christians in the country, insisting that insecurity remains a major challenge.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy, described Trump’s remarks as misleading and said they did not reflect the realities on the ground.
Trump had said during an event in Washington that recent US military action in Nigeria had largely ended attacks on Christian communities and significantly weakened the groups responsible for the violence.
Responding to the statement, Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said only Nigerians, particularly victims of insecurity, could determine whether there had been any meaningful improvement in the security situation.
He noted that although US forces had carried out operations against terrorist targets, killings and abductions were still occurring across several parts of the country. Hayab urged the US government to focus on practical support to help end insecurity rather than making claims that, according to him, did not reflect the situation in affected communities.
The Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy also questioned Trump’s assertion, saying there was no convincing evidence that the reported US intervention had achieved the results claimed.
The group’s International Secretary, Archbishop Osazee William, said the military action reported in Sokoto did not amount to the comprehensive intervention many Nigerians had hoped for. He stressed that while the operation may have sent a message to terrorist groups, it had not delivered the lasting security improvements expected.
The bishops called for stronger and sustained efforts by both the Nigerian government and international partners to address insecurity and protect lives and property across the country.
