Northern coalition slams Trump over ‘Christian genocide’ claims in Nigeria

The Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, has criticised United States President Donald Trump for what it described as reckless and provocative comments over alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

DAILY POST recalls that Trump reportedly threatened military action against Nigeria, citing alleged persecution of Christians, a claim the northern coalition dismissed as false and divisive.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, CNG’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, said the United States president’s remarks were capable of heightening religious tension in the country.

He said, “There is no genocide against Christians in Nigeria. What we have is a national security crisis affecting everyone, Muslims, Christians, and others alike.”

Charanchi cited data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, ACLED, showing that between January 2020 and September 2025, over 20,400 civilians were killed in violent attacks across Nigeria. Of incidents where religion could be verified, he said 317 Christian and 417 Muslim deaths were recorded.

He alleged that Trump’s comments were influenced by a “manipulated petition” purportedly initiated by Amnesty International’s Nigeria office, aimed at promoting a “toxic Western narrative.”

“The claim of a Christian genocide is a strategic deception serving foreign interests aimed at destabilising Nigeria and justifying interference,” Charanchi added.

The coalition accused Western countries of ignoring other incidents, including the 2015 Zaria killings involving members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and attacks allegedly carried out by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

It also warned that misinformation on Nigeria’s security situation could worsen instability in the Sahel region.

CNG called on Nigerians to remain united and urged foreign governments to refrain from statements capable of deepening division in the country.