Nigerian Professionals in Europe Call on EU: Restrain Trump and Provide Strategic Support Against Genocide

Table of Contents

1. Appeal to the European Union
2. Balanced Diplomatic Posture
3. Trump's Remarks
4. Call to Action for European Leaders
5. Religious Diversity in Nigeria
6. Impact of Terrorism
7. Call for Cooperation
8. Defending Sovereignty and Dignity
9. Partnership with Europe

Nigerian professionals living abroad have urged the European Union (EU) to prevent U.S. President Donald Trump from taking any harmful actions following his recent threats of military intervention against terrorists and his decision to label Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to alleged religious persecution.

In a statement released from Paris on Thursday, the association called on the EU to adopt a balanced diplomatic approach and enhance its partnership with Nigeria through strategic support in combating terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges.

The group, operating under the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE), characterized Trump’s comments as “provocative and dangerous,” cautioning that such rhetoric could escalate tensions, empower extremist factions, and jeopardize Nigeria's progress in counter-terrorism and economic reform.

A statement signed by Dr. Livinus Chukwuemeka Nwosu, ANPE President, and Mrs. Aisha Bello, a security expert and secretary of the group, urged European leaders to “act with wisdom and restraint” by discouraging any unilateral U.S. actions that could destabilize the West African region.

“We call on the European Union, as a global advocate for balance and diplomacy, to prevent President Trump from any hostile actions or policy escalations against Nigeria. Our nation requires constructive engagement, not coercion. The international community should support Nigeria’s security and democratic consolidation, not threaten it,” the statement emphasized.

The association highlighted that Nigeria’s religious diversity has historically been a source of cultural richness rather than division, asserting that framing the nation's security issues as religious persecution is both misleading and counterproductive.

According to ANPE, terrorism, insurgency, and banditry in Nigeria have impacted both Muslims and Christians, particularly in the northern and central regions of the country.

“The lives of every Nigerian, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, are sacred. We reject any narrative that weaponizes religion to justify foreign hostility or intervention,” the statement continued.

The group urged the EU to support Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts through the provision of arms, intelligence sharing, and joint training programs aimed at strengthening local security institutions.

ANPE stated that such cooperation should be founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace while avoiding any direct interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.

Furthermore, the group described Trump’s recent designation and threats as an “unhelpful distraction” that could undermine hard-earned progress in regional peacebuilding and counterinsurgency, noting that Nigeria has been collaborating closely with neighboring countries, including Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, to combat terrorism across the Lake Chad Basin while maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Western allies.
“We have a duty to defend our sovereignty and dignity. President Tinubu’s administration is focused on building institutions that can safeguard citizens and restore lasting peace,” the group added.

“Europe has always been a reliable partner for Nigeria. We are confident that the EU’s leadership will help ensure that diplomacy, not division, directs the global response to Nigeria’s internal challenges. Together, we can defeat terrorism and maintain peace, but only through respect, dialogue, and partnership,” the association concluded.

What is the appeal made by Nigerian professionals to the EU?

Nigerian professionals have requested the EU to prevent U.S. President Trump from taking adverse actions against Nigeria and to support the country in its fight against terrorism and insecurity.

What did the ANPE say about Trump's remarks?

The ANPE described Trump's comments as "provocative and dangerous," warning that they could escalate tensions and undermine Nigeria's progress in counter-terrorism and economic reform.

How does ANPE suggest the EU should support Nigeria?

ANPE suggests that the EU should provide support through arms supplies, intelligence sharing, and joint training programs to strengthen Nigeria's local security institutions.