The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has spoken about Nigeria’s worsening security situation and the recent threat from former United States President Donald Trump, who warned that the US military might intervene if the Nigerian government fails to stop the killings of Christians.
Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service at the RCCG Camp along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday night, Pastor Adeboye said there was no need to blame President Bola Tinubu, noting that the problem of insecurity did not start with his administration.
“This is not the time for apportioning blame. Our President inherited this problem — it started before him,” Adeboye said.
Earlier in the week, former US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)”, citing ongoing violence and alleged persecution of Christians.
Under the US International Religious Freedom Act, countries placed on the CPC list are considered to have committed severe violations of religious freedom. The designation allows Washington to impose sanctions, restrict aid, or apply diplomatic pressure.
Trump claimed that thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria and accused the government of failing to protect its citizens. He warned that if Nigeria’s leaders fail to “do the needful,” the US military might take out criminal elements responsible for the killings.
The statement drew mixed reactions in Nigeria. While some citizens welcomed the attention to the rising insecurity, others condemned Trump’s remarks as interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
Pastor Adeboye, one of Nigeria’s most respected religious figures, reminded Nigerians that insecurity has been a long-standing problem.
“Terrorism and banditry didn’t start today,” he said. “It has been there for many years, and every government has tried in its own way to tackle it.”
The clergyman noted that President Tinubu took over a country already struggling with multiple security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings across several regions.
He called on Nigerians to support the government rather than engage in blame games. “Instead of blaming anyone, let us pray for wisdom and courage for our leaders to end this bloodshed,” he urged.
Pastor Adeboye also urged the Federal Government to act swiftly in dealing with the security threats before the situation worsens. He called on President Tinubu to issue a three-month ultimatum to the newly appointed service chiefs to “wipe out terrorists and their sponsors.”
“The time to act is now,” he said. “We must not wait for foreign powers to intervene in our country. If we don’t solve this problem ourselves, the consequences will be disastrous.”
Adeboye’s remarks come amid growing concerns that Nigeria could face foreign intervention following Trump’s warning and the US Congress’ ongoing debate on a resolution condemning religious persecution in the country.
The RCCG leader also cautioned the Nigerian government not to expect military support from other global powers if a conflict arises from the US threat.
“If America decides to attack, don’t expect China or Russia to come to our rescue,” Adeboye warned. “They would only talk, but they will not fight for us.”
He said Nigeria must take responsibility for its own security and protect its citizens before outsiders use the situation as an excuse to interfere.
According to him, “Every serious nation must defend itself. This is the time for our leaders to show that Nigeria can protect its people.”
Nigeria has faced worsening security challenges for more than a decade. The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions across the North-East. In the North-West and North-Central regions, armed bandits continue to attack villages, kidnap travellers, and demand ransom.
In the Middle Belt, clashes between herders and farmers—often framed along religious lines—have led to thousands of deaths. The violence has spilled into parts of the South, causing widespread fear and disrupting agriculture and trade.
Despite multiple military operations and the creation of special security task forces, attacks have persisted. Communities in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and Niger States remain among the hardest hit.
Pastor Adeboye’s comments have drawn attention from both religious and political observers. Some praised him for his balanced tone, noting that he avoided assigning blame while urging immediate government action.
Others saw his message as a wake-up call to the Federal Government to take more decisive steps in addressing insecurity.
The Nigerian government has not directly responded to Trump’s threat or Adeboye’s comments. However, officials have repeatedly said that Nigeria’s security problems are being exaggerated and that the administration is taking concrete steps to end the violence.
President Tinubu has made security one of his top priorities since taking office in May 2023. He appointed new service chiefs in mid-2024 and increased funding for the military and police.
Government spokesmen have also rejected claims of religious persecution, arguing that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from terrorist and bandit attacks.
Pastor Adeboye concluded his sermon by urging Nigerians to continue praying for peace and unity, warning that the consequences of foreign intervention could be catastrophic.
“Let us pray that God helps our leaders and our nation,” he said. “If we don’t act quickly, the world may use our problems as an excuse to divide us.”
