FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2025
Contact: Lydia Andrews, Communications Manager
lydia@afjn.org | (o) 202-817-3670
AFJN Urges the Trump Administration Not to Use Military Intervention in Nigeria
Washington, DC – There is growing concern of United States (US) military intervention in Nigeria, after President Donald Trump’s weekend Truth Social posts calling for the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). The redesignation and threat of military intervention comes following allegations of ‘Christian persecution’ in the country by ‘radical Islamists’ brought by growing public concern of a ‘Christian genocide’. While the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) continues to make recommendations to add Nigeria to the CPC list, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin suggests that it is “not a religious conflict […] but rather more social [and] many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance” in Ngala Killian Chimtom’s Crux article. Given the complexity of Nigeria’s insecurity over the last fifteen years, and the US public’s apprehension for foreign military engagements, AFJN strongly advises against US intervention (especially military intervention) as these actions have the potential to destabilize the country and region.
Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), and an expert in African political-economy made the following statement:
- “Foreign military intervention is not the answer; there is a need for a nuanced and comprehensive approach to address the insecurity.
- “While AFJN acknowledges the efforts of the Nigerian government in tackling the insecurity however, this does not excuse the government from its responsibility to protect its citizens and address the terrorist and extremist violence and insecurity.
- “US military intervention could have unintended consequences, exacerbating the conflict and potentially spreading instability across the already volatile West-African region.
- “We urge the Trump Administration to engage in constructive dialogue with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to address the root causes of the conflict, promoting peace, justice, and human rights for all Nigerians.”
Sr. Eucharia Madueke, SNDdeN, AFJN’s Women Empowerment Project Coordinator who leads workshops with women and youth on issues impacting communities in Nigeria made the following statement:
- “Imagine sending your child to school and never returning home. This is the reality facing Nigerians across the country, of all faiths, ethnicities and economic classes due to the ongoing insecurity.
- “Let Trump’s threat be a wake up call for the Nigerian government, politicians, and traditional and religious leaders to do more to apprehend, prosecute, and deter the perpetrators behind these violent crimes.
- “I urge the US to support Nigeria (their military and police) by providing tactical and skills training to counter terrorism and extremism and to deescalate conflicts within the country.”
Read President Trump’s October 31, 2025 and November 1, 2025 Truth Social posts.
Read the “Nigeria: USCIRF – Recommended for Countries of Particular Concern (CPC)” section of the 2025 USCIRF Annual Report.
Read Ngala Killian Chimtom’s Crux article “Trump declares Nigeria “Country of Particular Concern amid violence targeting Christians”.
Watch AFJN Women Empowerment Project Consultant Rev. Aniedi Okure, OP’s interview on Channels Television on the history of the Nigerian insecurity.
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The Africa Faith and Justice Network is a faith-based, non-partisan coalition of 32 US-based religious communities of men and women. Inspired by the Gospel and informed by Catholic Social Teaching, AFJN seeks to educate and advocate for just relations with Africa and to work in partnership with African peoples as they engage in the struggle for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. www.afjn.org
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Available for Interview:
Steven Nabieu Rogers, PhD
Eucharia Madueke, SNDdeN, PhD
Contact: Lydia Andrews, Communications Manager
lydia@afjn.org | (o) 202-817-3670