President Bola Tinubu is due to travel to the United States on Tuesday for high-level diplomatic talks with U.S. officials, as tensions escalate over allegations of targeted attacks on Christians in Nigeria and threats of possible U.S. military
Presidential sources said Tinubu’s visit will concentrate on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing recent concerns between both countries. The sources added that, barring any last-minute changes, U.S. Vice President James David Vance is expected to meet with President Tinubu during the visit.
Daniel Bwala, Media Aide to President Tinubu, said the two leaders plan to meet soon—either at the State House in Abuja or at the White House in Washington—to advance discussions on counterterrorism and global security. According to Bwala, both presidents share a common commitment to combating violent extremism and protecting civilians.
“President Trump assisted Nigeria by authorizing the sale of arms, and President Tinubu has used that support in the fight against terrorism, with significant results,” Bwala said. He added that any differences over whether terrorists in Nigeria disproportionately target Christians or attack people of all faiths would be discussed and clarified during their meeting.
The diplomatic engagement follows a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and said Washington could suspend aid and consider military action if attacks on Christians do not stop. In strong language, Trump warned that U.S. forces could act “guns-a-blazing” to eliminate groups responsible for such atrocities.
The Nigerian Presidency rejected allegations of genocide in a statement issued on Saturday. President Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his administration is committed to protecting the rights of citizens of all faiths.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” the president said, noting that since taking office in 2023 his government has engaged actively with both Christian and Muslim leaders while addressing security challenges affecting citizens nationwide.
Tinubu described external characterizations of Nigeria’s religious landscape as inaccurate and unreflective of the country’s diversity or of the government’s efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” he said.
The president reiterated his administration’s commitment to work with the United States and the international community to promote understanding and to protect communities across Nigeria.
“Our government will continue to deepen cooperation with our international partners to safeguard the rights and security of all Nigerians,” Tinubu added.
