"Buratai Counsels Tinubu: Christian Genocide Claims Are a Myth Amid Trump's Military Threat"

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Warnings from Buratai
• Recommendations for the U.S. and Nigeria
• Call for National Unity
• Conclusion

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), has issued a warning regarding the escalating diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United States, labeling the narrative of “Christian genocide” as a misleading and hazardous distortion of Nigeria’s reality.

Buratai expressed these views in an article shared on Facebook titled “Mutual Security, Shared Prosperity: A Strategic Path Beyond the US-Nigeria Stalemate.”

He cautioned that acting on this narrative could result in severe strategic and diplomatic repercussions for both nations.

According to him, the current standoff between the United States and Nigeria, exacerbated by the threat of foreign military intervention, represents “a critical juncture” that could either lead to disastrous miscalculations or pave the way for a more robust partnership.

He stated that the idea of a “Christian genocide” occurring in Nigeria is “a dangerously simplistic distortion,” emphasizing that any U.S. actions based on such misinformation would be a strategic error and an existential threat to Nigeria.

Buratai urged the U.S. government to move away from coercive and militaristic tactics, which he claimed would only diminish its credibility and drive Nigeria closer to global competitors like China and Russia. Instead, he encouraged Washington to engage in “resolute, private collaboration” through intelligence sharing, counter-insurgency assistance, and engagement grounded in verified information rather than “inflammatory fiction.”

He also called on the Tinubu administration to undertake decisive diplomatic actions to counter the negative global narrative. He argued that Nigeria’s “strategic silence” in response to such allegations has become a significant national security risk.

Buratai suggested that the government initiate a vigorous diplomatic and public relations campaign in Washington and other critical capitals, collaborate with reputable international lobbying firms, and send delegations of respected Christian and Muslim leaders to counter the genocide claims before U.S. policymakers.

He further emphasized the importance of national unity in addressing external threats, urging Nigerians of all faiths to unite behind the government.

“The threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and corporate existence requires that every citizen, regardless of faith, unite with unwavering solidarity behind the government,” he stated. “Our most effective defense will be demonstrable progress—through enhanced security and economic self-sufficiency initiatives such as the Dangote Refinery.”

Buratai asserted that a genuine partnership, rather than pressure, is the only way for the U.S. to further its interests in a stable and prosperous Africa, while Nigeria must confidently and diplomatically project its own narrative.

He reiterated that both nations should prioritize dialogue and collaboration over confrontation to prevent mutual distrust and protect their shared interests.