Trump's Genocide Claim Highlights U.S. Intelligence Failures – NOA

Table of Contents

1. Genocide Allegation by US President
2. Intelligence Failures
3. Acknowledgment of Security Challenges
4. International Recognition
5. Security Initiatives in Nigeria

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, stated that the allegation of genocide made by U.S. President Donald Trump represents a failure of intelligence.

Issa-Onilu remarked that this is not the first instance where U.S. intelligence has faltered, citing previous failures in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan.

He made these comments on Monday during the monthly National Joint Security Press Briefing held in Abuja.

“The claim of genocide against Christians in Nigeria by the President of the United States is false. This is not the first time U.S. intelligence has let Americans down. It failed in Iraq, where it was later revealed there were no weapons of mass destruction, and they apologized. It also failed in Libya; I believe this is another mistake in intelligence gathering,” he noted.

The Director-General acknowledged the existence of security challenges but emphasized that the killings are not directed at any particular religion or ethnic group. He assured that the government and security agencies are committed to resolving insecurity in the nation.

“While we recognize that there are security issues in Nigeria and that killings are occurring, these acts are not aimed at any specific religion. The government and security agencies are tirelessly working to address this situation,” he said.

“Recently, the United States commended Nigeria for apprehending two prominent leaders of terrorist organizations. We also heard from the NFIU about Nigeria being removed from the grey list, which indicates countries that struggle with tracking illicit fund movements. The international body responsible for this has affirmed Nigeria's efforts in tracking terrorism financing.”

The NOA chief further mentioned that the recent restructuring among Nigeria’s security leadership reflects the nation's serious commitment to enhancing internal security and tackling communal and religious violence.

“A country that is not earnestly addressing security issues would not take such significant actions as the President did last week by reshuffling the top military leadership to ensure the system is revitalized and empowered to perform more effectively,” he added.

“The same United States has lifted the sanctions on arms sales to Nigeria, allowing sales only to those countries they believe are using the weapons responsibly,” he concluded.