Christian Genocide: What the US Should Have Done – Kwankwaso

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has called on the United States to support Nigeria in tackling insecurity rather than issuing threats over allegations of religious persecution.

His statement follows US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and his warning of possible military action, accusing the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to the killing of Christians. The tension comes after Nigeria openly backed a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis and condemned the killings in Gaza, a position that reportedly triggered accusations of genocide against the country.

In response to the US action, President Bola Tinubu maintained that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equal protection for all citizens, stressing that religious persecution has no place in the country. Despite this assurance, Trump reportedly instructed the US Department of War to prepare for potential operations in Nigeria.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Kwankwaso described Nigeria as a sovereign nation dealing with complex security challenges that affect people of all faiths. He said the United States should have chosen cooperation over confrontation by helping Nigeria combat insecurity with advanced technology and intelligence support.

“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said. “The United States should assist Nigerian authorities with cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing threats that could further polarise our country.”

Kwankwaso also advised the Nigerian government to deepen diplomatic engagement with Washington by appointing special envoys and permanent ambassadors to represent the nation’s interests more effectively on the global stage.

He urged Nigerians to remain united in the face of external pressure, emphasising the need to prioritise national cohesion above division. “This is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria,” he added.