Abdulsalami Says Trump’s Comment Threatens Nigeria’s Hard-Won Unity
General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), a former Nigerian military Head of State, has urged United States President, Donald Trump to support Nigeria’s efforts in tackling insecurity rather than issuing threats that could endanger the country’s unity.
Abubakar, who spoke in a telephone interview from London, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Trump’s threat of possible U.S. military action in Nigeria over alleged genocide against Christians were capable of “jeopardising Nigeria’s unity.”
Recall that on Friday, October 31, 2025, Trump announced the U.S. redesignated of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” over alleged ongoing “Christian genocide” in the country.
The U.S. president also warned that the Nigerian government must “better move fast” and bring insecurity in the country to an end or risk the withdrawal of all American aid and assistance.
Trump further threatened to deploy the U.S. Department of War to “fight the terrorists that attack our cherished Christians.”
The Nigerian presidency has since reacted, stating that President Bola Tinubu and Trump would meet to discuss the allegations surrounding the purported Christian genocide and the implications of the U.S. decision.
In his reaction, Abubakar described Trump’s comments as a “grave threat to the country’s hard-won unity” and cautioned against rhetoric that could inflame tensions or undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He said, “Unity, wisdom, and diplomacy must take precedence over division and pride at this critical moment.”
The former Head of State called on Nigerians to put aside their political, ethnic, and religious differences and unite in defense of the country’s stability amid what he termed “external pressure.”
Abubakar also stressed the importance of strategic engagement with the United States to de-escalate tensions and promote cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
He added, “There is a need for strategic dialogue with President Trump to address the issues and find peaceful solutions that serve the mutual interests of both nations.”
