• Stand with us in war against terror, President tells allies
• AU rejects America’s narrative
• We’re monitoring developments in Nigeria, says Russia
• New COAS tasks troops
President Bola Tinubu vowed yesterday that Nigeria’s security remained non-negotiable as controversy raged over the recent threat by President Donald Trump of the United States to deploy soldiers to Nigeria to defend ‘persecuted’ Christians.
Tinubu, in a fresh message to Nigerians yesterday on the war against terrorism, said on no account would Nigeria compromise on its security.
He also met with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening interfaith harmony, mutual understanding and national unity.
African Union Commission (AUC) said the US threat had no basis, while Russia said it was monitoring developments in Nigeria following the statement from the White House.
The new Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on his maiden operational tour of the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, in the North East, pledged that troops would sustain offensive actions until insurgents are denied all support and sanctuary.
Shaibu said the Army was entering a decisive stage of the war, where failure is not an option.
“We face challenges head-on and remain steadfast in our commitment to engage partners and champion Nigeria’s interests on the diplomatic front,” the President said in a post on his verified X account @officialABAT.
He added: “We are confidently asserting our presence on the global stage, guided by unwavering calm, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose.
“We are indeed faced with terrorism – a challenge Nigeria has faced for almost two decades, and we will not back down.
“We will decisively defeat terrorism and claim victory in this battle. Security is non-negotiable, and we will never compromise on this principle.
“With unwavering courage and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, we will prevail.
“Nigeria is one united family. We rise together, move forward together, and reject despair in favour of determination.
“Our future is far more robust and stronger than any fears we may have.
“The task ahead is immense, yet our resolve is even greater.
“We will continue to sustain and build on our reform gains and deliver a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
“We will spare no effort and leave no stone unturned in our mission to eliminate criminals from our society. We urge our allies to stand firmly with us as we amplify our fight against terrorism.
“We have made significant progress in the past two years and we will decisively eliminate this threat.
“With courage and the rule of law, we will triumph.
“Nigeria will be, and remain a reliable partner and dependable ally to its friends and a steady voice for stability.
“We also welcome the collaboration and support of our allies, friends, and partners as we strengthen both security and economic growth.
“To the brave men and women of our armed forces and intelligence community united by purpose, regardless of tribe or religion, who serve fearlessly, fight side-by-side and sometimes pay the ultimate price, we express our deepest gratitude.
“Your commitment is our strength in the fight against terror.”
President, Sultan meet in Abuja
The President received the Sultan of Sokoto at the State House, Abuja, in a meeting that reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening interfaith harmony, mutual understanding, and national unity.
The meeting was in furtherance of collaboration with major religious and traditional institutions to foster dialogue and social trust across the country.
Presidency sources described the engagement as part of the President’s ongoing consultations with critical moral and cultural leaders on strategies to consolidate peace, enhance national integration, and address emerging social challenges.
The meeting, according to officials, also aligned with President Tinubu’s broader vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda to promote inclusivity and deepen interfaith understanding as essential pillars of national stability and cohesion.
We’ll sustain offensive until terrorists are denied sanctuary, says COAS
Addressing officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai,General Shaibu, asked troops to intensify the operations, crush the remnants of the terrorists, and restore lasting peace to the North East.
He charged them to sustain pressure on the terrorists until total victory is achieved.
“The Nigerian Army under my command will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus, and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all,” the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele quoted him as saying.
The COAS said his visit was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to consolidate gains in the counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns.
He reaffirmed his commitment to troops’ welfare, logistics support, and combat readiness, adding that fairness, professionalism, and competence would guide all deployments.
He told the troops the Nigerian Army is entering a critical phase of counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
According to him, the next deployment will determine the success of ongoing efforts to end Boko Haram and ISWAP activities in the region.
“You have been training to defeat the terrorists that have been disturbing the North-East. This time, you are going to do it differently,” he said.
The COAS said the Army had deployed battle-tested senior officers to the theatre, alongside new platforms, weapons, and logistics.
“All combat enablers have been provided. New platforms have been introduced, all with a view to achieving success.
“This phase of the operation belongs to the new generation of soldiers. You must surpass previous achievements of troops who fought in earlier national and international missions.
“Those before you have done it. Now the challenge is yours. This is your own time,” he said.
The Army Chief warned the troops to remain focused and follow the command’s structure, assuring them that doubts and operational concerns should be channeled through their officers.
To further bolster troop morale, Shaibu announced improvements in welfare packages, including feeding allowances, prompt payment of entitlements, medical care and accommodation.
“Your welfare has been taken care of from improved ration cost allowance to prompt payment of all your allowances and improved medical health care,” he said.
The army chief also paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Elkanemi, who lauded the army’s gallantry and humanitarian interventions, noting that no local government area in the state was under terrorist control.
The monarch pledged continued support through intelligence sharing and prayers for the success of military operations.
During the visit, the COAS received an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, inaugurated the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, laid the foundation for new soldiers’ quarters, and visited wounded personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital.
Shaibu also toured frontline locations in Bama and adjoining sectors, reaffirming his resolve to recalibrate operational strategies and strengthen combat effectiveness.
AU rejects America’s narrative
The African Union Commission (AUC) yesterday expressed support for Nigeria following the US threat.
The commission in a statement on its website, reiterated its unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, religious freedom, and the rule of law, as enshrined in the African Union Constitutive Act and related instruments.
The Commission noted the US threat and described Nigeria as a longstanding and valued Member State of the African Union, playing a key role in regional stability, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping initiatives, and continental integration.
It said: “The AUC fully respects Nigeria’s sovereign right to manage its internal affairs, including security, religious freedom, and human rights, in line with its Constitution and international obligations. Any external engagement must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.
“The Commission supports Nigeria’s repeated affirmation that its Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief and that the Government rejects all forms of religious persecution.
“Nigeria faces complex security challenges affecting citizens of all faiths, including violent extremist groups, banditry, communal violence, and resource-based conflicts.
“The AUC calls for regional and international cooperation to support Nigeria and other African countries, in strengthening capacity to respond to insecurity, protect all citizens, uphold human rights, and bring perpetrators of violence to justice.
“The AUC remains ready to provide support through its peace and security architecture, capacity-building programs, and strategic partnerships.
“The AUC rejects any narrative that weaponises religion or oversimplifies security challenges. Conflating all violence with a single religious-target narrative may hinder effective solutions and destabilise communities.
“AUC urges external partners, including the United States, to engage Nigeria through diplomatic dialogue, intelligence-sharing, and capacity-building partnerships, while respecting Nigerian sovereignty rather than resorting to unilateral threats of military intervention, which could undermine continental peace, regional stability, and AU norms for peaceful conflict management.”
Russia monitoring developments in Nigeria
Russia said it was closely monitoring the situation in Nigeria following the US threat.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters in Moscow yesterday that her country is “closely monitoring this issue and calls on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms.”
Her comments came in response to a question from the Anadolu news Agency about Trump’s
Zakharova urged Washington to act responsibly and within the bounds of international law.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” she said.
Trump’s genocide claims a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty – SDP National Chairman
National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, yesterday deplored the US threat against Nigeria and said the claims were unfounded and unfair to a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country like Nigeria, where insecurity affects citizens of all faiths.
“Nigerians are being killed from both faiths. The country’s security challenges cannot be reduced to a single religious narrative,” Gabam said.
He said the North-East and North-West regions, in particular, have suffered massive violence, with Muslims constituting the majority of the victims.
According to him, such facts contradict Trump’s assertions and underscore the need for Nigerians to focus on their shared humanity rather than divisive rhetoric.
Gabam urged the federal government to swiftly engage in strategic diplomacy and appoint competent, patriotic Nigerians as ambassadors who can defend the country’s reputation abroad.
CSOs protest U.S. threats, submit petition to Congress, Lagos Assembly
Condemnation of the US threat also came from a coalition of civil society organisations in Nigeria whose members staged a peaceful protest in Lagos.
The protesters, under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria (CCSGN), led by Comrade Buna Isiak called at the Lagos State House of Assembly and presented a petition to the U.S. Congress through the Assembly leadership.
They demanded respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and an end to what they described as “foreign interference” in the country’s internal affairs.
lsiak asked Nigerians to unite in peace and mutual respect, saying, “Together, let us build bridges of peace, not walls of misinformation and hostility. In unity, we are strong — solidarity forever.”
In the petition, the coalition described Trump’s alleged remarks as “inflammatory, unlawful, and an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty.”
The petitioners asked the U.S. Congress to reject “reckless and destabilising rhetoric.”
