Beyond Trump's threat: A call for security

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to use military force against Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians has stirred serious reactions at home. His words were fiery and provocative and while they have drawn global attention to Nigeria’s insecurity, they were neither helpful nor diplomatic.

Nigeria’s security problem is real and painful. For years, bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents have attacked innocent people, Christians, Muslims, and others without discrimination. But Trump’s statement, which paints the crisis as a war against Christians, is misleading. It oversimplifies a complex problem and risks creating more religious tension in an already divided society.

President Bola Tinubu was right to defend Nigeria’s image and restate the country’s commitment to religious freedom. But government responses should go beyond words. Nigerians are tired of condolences and promises, they want action. The killings and abductions happening almost daily show that the security system needs urgent reform and stronger leadership.

Instead of trading words with Trump, the government should take his outburst as a reminder that the world is watching. Nigeria must improve its internal security and also rebuild its diplomatic bridges. The U.S. can support through intelligence sharing, training, and modern technology, but that cooperation should come through dialogue, not threats.