A coalition of respected Nigerians, under the banner of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, has appealed to the United States to withdraw its recent threats against Nigeria. The group also called on the Nigerian government to take full responsibility for tackling insecurity and safeguarding its people.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, Dr. Bilkisu Oniyangi said the group—made up of Nigerians from diverse backgrounds and faiths—came together to respond constructively to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had suggested that Nigeria could be relisted as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and even hinted at possible military action.
According to Oniyangi, those comments have stirred anxiety and division across the country. “We are concerned that these developments could deepen our national fault lines and turn Nigeria into a pawn in global geopolitics,” she said.
She emphasized that Nigeria’s long-standing challenges—ranging from insecurity and poverty to poor governance—had made the nation vulnerable to foreign pressure. “This is our problem as Nigerians, and it will be solved by us,” she added. “What we need now is solidarity, not interference.”
The group acknowledged that while global partners such as the U.S., U.K., China, and Russia could support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, the country’s sovereignty must remain non-negotiable. They urged President Bola Tinubu to show stronger political will and accountability, calling on him to directly reassure citizens that their safety is his government’s top priority.
“We encourage President Tinubu to stay focused on rebuilding trust and reforming our decaying security institutions,” Oniyangi stated. “He should resist unnecessary foreign trips and instead lead from home.”
The group also called on the President to appoint capable ambassadors who would defend Nigeria’s image abroad and prevent misinformation. They urged religious and community leaders to promote unity and tolerance, reminding Nigerians that insecurity affects everyone regardless of faith or ethnicity.
“Nigerians should not argue about who suffers more,” the group said. “Every life matters. This is a battle between peace-loving citizens—Muslims and Christians alike—and those who seek to destroy them.”
They also warned against growing foreign influence in the Sahel region, which they said could empower extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, IPOB, and bandits. Such instability, they noted, threatens not only Nigeria’s unity but also the security of the wider region.
“Our independence and unity have been tested before,” Oniyangi concluded. “We will overcome again, but we need the support of genuine friends and allies.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to promote peace, national cohesion, and lasting security across the country.