“Tinubu Is Ahead of ‘Orchestrated Game’ in U.S. Over Christian Killings” — Presidency

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is well ahead of what he described as an “orchestrated game” unfolding in the United States over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said on X on Sunday that the president has taken proactive steps to confront the spate of killings by non-state actors, which the U.S. government recently labeled as targeting Christians.

Onanuga highlighted that President Tinubu addressed the new service chiefs on Thursday, urging them to respond decisively to security challenges. “No more excuses,” he said, “Nigerians want results.” He emphasized the growing threat from armed groups across the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, calling for swift and proactive action. “We must smash the new snakes right in the head,” Tinubu reportedly told the military leaders.

The remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” citing attacks on Christians by Islamic jihadists. The declaration followed advocacy by U.S. lawmakers, including Ted Cruz, Riley Moore, and Nancy Mace, who have called the killings genocidal.

The Christian Association of Nigeria has also described the violence as a genocide and urged international intervention. Trump additionally directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for a potential military response to address the threat posed by violent non-state actors in Nigeria’s North.