Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called on the United States government to assist Nigeria in combating insecurity rather than issuing threats of military intervention.
Kwankwaso made the appeal on Saturday through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, following recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that Washington could consider “strong actions” if the killing of Christians in Nigeria continues unchecked.
Trump had earlier criticised the Tinubu-led administration, describing Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” and accused the government of “turning a blind eye” to violence against Christian communities. In a fiery post on his social platform, Truth Social, the former president said:
“If these killings against Christians in Nigeria don’t stop, and if the government in Abuja continues to fail its people, the U.S. will be forced to act. We cannot watch genocide happen in silence.”
Responding, Kwankwaso cautioned against foreign threats that could worsen Nigeria’s fragile unity. He acknowledged the country’s deep-seated security challenges but insisted they are not defined by religion or ethnicity.
“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.
The former defence minister urged the United States to channel its global influence toward supporting Nigeria with advanced security technology and intelligence sharing, rather than issuing ultimatums.
“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he wrote.
Kwankwaso also advised the Nigerian government to appoint special envoys to engage the U.S. administration diplomatically and to ensure Nigeria’s interests are well represented on the international stage.
“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests,” he added.
Kwankwaso appealed to Nigerians to prioritise unity and shared identity over religious or ethnic divisions.
“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria.”