Abuja: The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to collaborate with Nigeria in tackling terrorism through intelligence sharing and critical support. The Council condemned the U.S. decision to designate Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ warning against any attempt to infringe on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NSCIA Secretary General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, appealed at a news conference in Abuja for a genuine partnership with the U.S., recalling that the previous U.S. administration lifted the designation in 2023 in recognition of Nigeria’s complex security landscape. Oloyede criticized the re-imposition of the designation as politically driven, asserting it undermined the essence of religious freedom.
He emphasized the need for collaboration and support rather than using Nigeria’s security challenges as a pretext for interference. Oloyede urged nations to assist Nigeria genuinely and refrain from exploiting its challenges under the guise of protection.
Oloyede reiterated Nigeria’s sovereignty and ability to defend itself, rejecting narratives that portray the conflict as government-led genocide. He stated that cooperation with Nigeria’s armed forces, rather than unilateral intervention, would be more effective in protecting Nigerians.
He cautioned against selective protection of religious groups, which could misrepresent U.S. intentions among Nigerian Muslims. Oloyede called on President Trump to provide Nigeria with logistics, equipment, and intelligence support.
Addressing Nigeria’s legal systems, Oloyede explained that the nation operates common law, Sharia law, and customary law, emphasizing Nigeria’s right to self-determination in legal matters without external interference.
He highlighted that poverty, climate change, and criminality are the real challenges facing Nigeria, not religious genocide. Oloyede urged global actors to avoid exploiting Nigeria’s insecurity for geopolitical gains.
The NSCIA urged the Nigerian government to enhance efforts to protect citizens and dismantle terrorist networks. It also called for exposing divisive narratives and confronting foreign lobbyists undermining Nigeria’s image.
Oloyede commended the Nigerian government’s resolve to engage the U.S. with dignity in combating terrorism and banditry. He appealed to President Trump to retract derogatory remarks about Nigeria and instead offer credible intelligence and logistical support through partnership, avoiding actions that could further fragment the nation.