The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has accused former United States President Donald Trump of using threats of military action against Nigeria as a cover to pursue America’s economic interests.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, the group said Trump’s recent comments about possible U.S. intervention in Nigeria were not motivated by concern for human rights or the protection of Christians, but by a desire to pressure President Bola Tinubu into economic concessions.
Afenifere described Trump’s claim that the Nigerian government was complicit in the killing of Christians as “baseless” and “a deliberate attempt to create tension” that could justify outside interference.
“This is a case of giving a dog a bad name in order to kill it,” Ajayi said.
Trump had recently threatened to cut off aid to Nigeria and hinted at possible U.S. military action, claiming the Nigerian government was not doing enough to protect Christians from violence.
But Afenifere said this statement was “a strategic decoy” aimed at securing economic advantage.
“By sounding so harsh, Mr. Trump hopes to pressure President Tinubu into negotiations that would give the U.S. greater access to Nigeria’s economy and possibly push Nigeria into buying more American goods, particularly weapons,” Ajayi said.
He added that Nigeria’s growing economic partnership with China was “unsettling” for the United States, which sees Nigeria as an important African partner due to its oil, gas, and mineral resources.
The Afenifere spokesman also said that certain political interests in America were uncomfortable with the Tinubu administration’s independent foreign policy, especially regarding the Middle East.
“For instance, Vice President Kashim Shettima openly affirmed Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict at the last United Nations General Assembly,” he said. “It is well-known that this position did not sit well with the United States.”
This is not the first time Trump’s remarks about Nigeria have stirred controversy. During his presidency, he reportedly described African countries in derogatory terms and included Nigeria on a travel ban list in 2020.
Analysts say his latest comments reflect a continuation of that attitude, using religious tensions as an excuse to pursue U.S. influence over Nigeria’s economy and politics.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, has long been seen as a key strategic partner in West Africa. However, the country’s growing ties with China—ranging from infrastructure loans to technology cooperation—have worried U.S. policymakers who see Beijing’s influence as a challenge to American interests on the continent.
In recent years, Nigeria has also played a more assertive role in global diplomacy, taking positions that are not always in line with Western preferences.
Afenifere rejected claims that violence in Nigeria’s northern and central regions amounts to a “Christian genocide.”
“Not that people are not being killed,” Ajayi said, “but bandits and terrorists do not discriminate. Their primary target is the economy. Those sponsoring them are after mineral resources. Once communities are displaced, the sponsors move in to exploit these resources.”
According to the group, the crisis of insecurity in Nigeria is rooted in poverty, unemployment, and the struggle for resources, not in religion.
Security experts in Nigeria have also pointed out that many violent groups in the country, including so-called bandits, are motivated by economic gain rather than ideology. Kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and illegal mining have become major sources of income for criminal networks.
Ajayi noted that the Tinubu administration is already taking steps to strengthen national security. “The government is actively addressing insecurity,” he said, pointing to the recent replacement of service chiefs as part of the efforts to reform the security sector.
Nigeria has faced overlapping security crises for over a decade. In the northeast, the Boko Haram insurgency and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have continued to launch deadly attacks. In the northwest and central regions, heavily armed bandits attack villages, kidnap schoolchildren, and extort communities.
Meanwhile, separatist agitation and communal clashes in other parts of the country have deepened public anxiety.
Although the Nigerian government has launched several military operations to tackle these problems, progress has been uneven. Economic hardship, unemployment, and the easy availability of arms have allowed criminal groups to thrive.
Afenifere urged Nigerians to be careful about making statements that could justify foreign interference.
“When you deride your country, the damage is not easily undone,” Ajayi warned. “We must be careful about what we say or write. Nigeria indeed needs help to address its security challenges, but threatening it with war is not a solution.”
He also reminded Nigerians of the consequences of U.S. military involvement in other countries.
“None of the nations where America has intervened militarily has known peace,” he said. “When we cry out, we must keep our eyes open to see what lies ahead.”
Ajayi’s comments echo a growing sentiment among Nigerian civil society groups that foreign military action would be counterproductive. Many argue that Nigeria should strengthen its own security forces and focus on regional cooperation within West Africa instead.
Since taking office in 2023, President Bola Tinubu has tried to position Nigeria as an independent voice on global issues while deepening engagement with both Western and Asian partners.
Under his administration, Nigeria has maintained relations with the United States but also expanded trade and infrastructure cooperation with China. Tinubu’s government has also been vocal about Africa’s need for fairer treatment in global economic and security discussions.
Afenifere believes this growing independence may have irritated Washington, leading to political pressure from figures like Trump.
“Tinubu is trying to balance Nigeria’s interests, but not everyone in the West likes that,” Ajayi said. “We must stand firm and protect our sovereignty.”
Afenifere ended its statement with a call for Nigerians to unite in defending the country’s image and sovereignty.
“The lesson here is that we must not give foreigners any reason to dictate to us,” Ajayi said. “Nigeria has enough talent, natural resources, and determination to overcome its challenges if we work together.”
The group also urged the government to continue addressing insecurity and poverty while promoting dialogue among ethnic and religious groups.
As tensions rise following Trump’s comments, many Nigerians are calling for calm and renewed focus on domestic solutions to the country’s deep-rooted challenges.
For Afenifere, the message is clear: Nigeria must protect its sovereignty, strengthen its democracy, and refuse to be drawn into conflicts driven by foreign interests.
