Presidential Adviser Dr. Daniel Bwala has dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and warned against any form of foreign military interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Bwala, who serves as Special Adviser on Policy and Communication to President Bola Tinubu, made the remarks during an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Monday evening. The conversation followed recent comments by former United States President Donald Trump, who threatened military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
During the interview, Bwala insisted that Nigeria is “not a hostile country” and that the idea of a Christian genocide is a “hoax” promoted by separatist groups to divide the nation along religious lines.
“Nigeria is not a hostile country to warrant any US military intervention,” he said. “The so-called concept of a Christian genocide is a fabrication by a separatist group in Nigeria to create discord among our people.”
Bwala’s remarks came days after Trump, in a social media post, accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to what he described as “systematic killings of Christians.” The former American president, who is seeking a political comeback, directed members of the US Congress to “look into” what he termed “religious persecution in Nigeria.”
His post sparked widespread reactions, both in Nigeria and abroad, with human rights groups, religious organizations, and political commentators expressing concern about its implications for US-Nigeria relations.
The Nigerian government, through its foreign ministry, has not issued an official statement on the matter. However, Bwala’s appearance on SABC was the most direct response yet from the Tinubu administration.
“We know the body language and tactics of President Trump,” Bwala said during the interview. “There will never be a case of military intervention in Nigeria because diplomatic engagement always prevails.”
He explained that the Nigerian government remains open to dialogue with all partners, including the United States, but will not accept any external attempt to undermine the country’s sovereignty.
When asked whether Nigeria could convince Trump to reconsider his stance, especially given that South Africa has struggled to change Western perceptions about racial violence within its borders, Bwala said Trump was “open to dialogue” and had previously adopted “common understanding” after engagements with other world leaders.
“Trump is known to have changed his mind after meaningful discussions,” Bwala stated. “He listens when presented with credible facts, and Nigeria is always ready to provide those facts.”
He maintained that available security data already paints a balanced picture of violence in the country, showing that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from terrorism and banditry.
“There is no extraordinary data hidden somewhere,” he explained. “Everything is in the open space — from government records to reports by independent organizations. The insecurity in Nigeria affects all citizens, regardless of their faith.”
Nigeria has faced years of deadly attacks by extremist groups, armed bandits, and kidnappers, particularly in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions. Thousands have been killed or displaced, and entire communities destroyed.
While some Western organizations, including the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, have accused Nigerian authorities of failing to protect Christian communities, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected the characterization of the violence as religious.
Security experts note that most of the attacks are driven by complex factors such as poverty, ethnic rivalry, land disputes, and terrorism, rather than a coordinated campaign against any particular faith.
The controversy over “Christian genocide” has, however, grown louder in recent months, especially after several American politicians and evangelical leaders began pressing Washington to take tougher action against Abuja.
When asked by SABC’s host, Thembekile Mrototo, whether a visit to the White House could help ease tensions, Bwala said such a move would follow the normal diplomatic process.
“Diplomacy requires protocol,” he said. “Nigeria respects international norms, and any such visit would be arranged through official channels.”
He drew parallels with earlier diplomatic interventions between South Africa and the United States, noting that dialogue and fact-based discussions often help to dispel misinformation.
“Just as South Africa successfully engaged the US on its own internal issues, Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with its partners,” Bwala added.
Bwala’s interview generated wide discussion on social media, particularly among Nigerians at home and abroad. Many praised him for what they described as a “calm and confident defence” of the country’s sovereignty, while others criticized his dismissal of the genocide claim as insensitive to victims of insecurity.
Supporters argued that the presidential aide struck the right diplomatic tone by rejecting external interference while emphasizing dialogue. Critics, however, said his comments downplayed the realities faced by communities repeatedly attacked in states such as Plateau, Benue, and Southern Kaduna.
Some Nigerians also drew attention to President Tinubu’s past statements as an opposition leader, when he had criticized previous governments for failing to protect Christians from attacks. Social media users questioned whether the government’s current position represented a shift in tone or strategy.
This is not the first time Nigeria has come under international scrutiny over religious violence. In 2020, the United States placed Nigeria on a special watch list for alleged violations of religious freedom, but the country was later removed from that list.
In recent months, Western media outlets and advocacy groups have renewed focus on killings in central Nigeria, where clashes between herders and farmers often take on religious colouration.
The renewed debate comes amid growing political tension in Nigeria, where ethnic and religious divisions continue to shape national discourse. Analysts say Trump’s comments could worsen those divisions if not carefully managed.
“What Nigeria needs now is stability, not panic,” Bwala said. “Our government is working to address insecurity through intelligence sharing, military reform, and community engagement. We welcome international support, but not foreign control.”
The Nigerian government has repeatedly emphasized that it welcomes international cooperation in combating terrorism but will not allow foreign troops to operate within its borders. Officials insist that Nigeria’s armed forces remain capable of defending the country’s territorial integrity.
Bwala’s remarks reflect this longstanding position, which aligns with President Tinubu’s broader foreign policy approach — one that seeks partnership without subordination.
Political observers believe the administration will continue to project Nigeria as a strong, independent democracy despite mounting global criticism of its human rights and security record.
