President Bola Tinubu on Thursday reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining national unity, while pledging diplomatic engagement with international partners following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent accusations of religious persecution.

Speaking at a Federal Executive Council meeting and during the swearing-in of two new ministers, Tinubu emphasized continued progress on security and economic stability despite “political headwinds.”

Referencing Nigeria’s oversubscribed €2.3 billion eurobond, Tinubu described it as a sign of investor confidence. “We will continue to engage partners… We will defeat terrorism,” he said, urging officials to maintain consistent messaging and citizens to remain hopeful under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The remarks mark Tinubu’s first public response to Trump’s October 31 post on Truth Social, which labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under U.S. law for alleged religious freedom violations. The designation, tied to claims of Christian killings by extremist groups, could affect up to $1.2 billion in U.S. aid. A similar label was applied in 2020 but later revoked.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed that diplomatic channels with Washington are active. “We take the issues seriously but address them domestically,” he said, citing a 15% reduction in unrest and reaffirming constitutional protections for religious freedom.

The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), a coalition of 19 U.S.-based groups, rejected foreign military intervention, advocating for intelligence-sharing and cooperation. “Nigeria is sovereign – protection is the government’s duty,” said OAN President Temi Aregbesola.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) outlined potential intervention tiers, ranging from advisory support to drone operations and carrier deployment, but officials indicated low likelihood of escalation. “A fiasco – neither public nor Trump wants a ground war,” said Maj. Gen. Paul D. Eaton.

Tinubu’s comments align with recent developments, including increased oil production following anti-theft measures and ongoing engagement with religious leaders. EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot expressed support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and pledged continued peacebuilding assistance.