By Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd)
A retired security officer and analyst, Col. Ahmed Usman, has warned that the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by former U.S. President Donald Trump, coupled with threats of potential military intervention to “protect Christians,” could have serious consequences for national unity and security.
Speaking at the Africa Regional Security Conference, Award and Expo 2025 held at the University of Lagos on Saturday, Col. Usman delivered a paper titled “Harnessing Intelligence Technology and Local Knowledge to Counter Evolving Security Threats in Nigeria.”
He described the CPC designation and military threats as misguided, noting that they risk deepening religious divisions, undermining sovereignty, emboldening extremist groups, and misrepresenting the nature of Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Nigeria’s security challenges—including terrorism, banditry, and farmer–herder clashes—are driven by resource competition, organized crime, and climate pressures, not by government-backed religious persecution,” Col. Usman said.
He emphasized that extremists do not discriminate by religion, and portraying attacks as a war on Christians only plays into the hands of terrorists aiming to divide the country.
The retired officer also stressed that Nigeria’s constitutional democracy protects freedom of religion, noting that Muslims and Christians serve together across all branches of government and the military.
“Our problem is not intolerance; it is inadequate resources to combat non-state actors who exploit poverty among others,” he said.
Col. Usman warned that the CPC designation and foreign military threats could endanger lives rather than protect them.
“It could legitimize extremist propaganda framing our internal struggle as a Western-sponsored religious conflict. It could also erode the interfaith cooperation that has kept Nigeria from descending into sectarian chaos,” he said.
He further stated that any attempt by a foreign power to deploy force on Nigerian soil without consent would constitute a grave violation of international law and an unacceptable affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Our Armed Forces are fully capable of defending all Nigerians—Muslims and Christians alike,” Col. Usman noted.
Instead, he called on the United States to pursue partnership over punishment, advocating for intelligence sharing, training, and economic development support.
“Sanctions, threats, and political labeling will only deepen distrust. If Washington truly values peace and religious freedom, it must listen to Nigerians—not speak for them,” he said.
Col. Usman concluded that the path to security lies in cooperation, dialogue, and respect, rather than coercion or external pressure. “Nigeria needs partners, not patrons. Dialogue, not designation. Cooperation, not coercion,” he emphasized.
