Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has cautioned the United States against taking military action in Nigeria, describing claims of a “Christian genocide” as a dangerous distortion of the country’s realities.
In an article titled “Mutual Security, Shared Prosperity: A Strategic Path Beyond the U.S.–Nigeria Stalemate,” Buratai said the rhetoric from Washington could trigger unnecessary conflict and damage long-term cooperation between both nations.
He warned that acting on such a narrative would be “a profound strategic blunder,” stressing that the U.S. risked losing credibility in Africa if it chose coercion over collaboration.
“The ‘Christian genocide’ narrative is a dangerously reductive distortion of Nigeria’s intricate realities,” Buratai wrote. “Public ultimatums and intimidation directed at a sovereign nation like Nigeria weaken, not strengthen, American credibility. Such moves could push Nigeria and ECOWAS closer to powers like China and Russia.”
He urged the U.S. to replace “public coercion” with “private collaboration,” advocating intelligence sharing, verified data, and targeted support in counter-insurgency and security reform.
Buratai also advised Nigeria to respond diplomatically by sending high-level delegations of respected Christian and Muslim leaders to engage U.S. officials and counter false claims.
Calling for unity at home, the former army chief said the alleged threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty required collective resolve across religious and political divides.
“The threat to our sovereignty demands that every citizen—Muslim and Christian alike—stand united behind the government. A nation that conquers its challenges internally leaves no justification for foreign intrusion,” he stated.
His remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing alleged mass killings of Christians by radical Islamist groups.
The Nigerian government has since rejected the claim, reaffirming that its constitution guarantees religious freedom and equality for all citizens.
