The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) and several Nigerians have warned that the United States’ decision to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” could undermine the nation’s counterterrorism operations and damage diplomatic relations.
In a statement by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG described the US action as “fatally flawed, misleading and capable of undermining the war against insurgency.”
According to the group, the move could lead to suspension of arms sales to Nigeria, a development that would embolden terrorist groups and weaken ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
“It is a gross mischaracterisation of Nigeria’s complex security challenges,” the statement said. “It amounts to standing truth on its head to peddle claims that a state-sponsored Christian genocide exists in Nigeria.”
The group highlighted that President Tinubu’s security reforms have ensured that Christians occupy key positions in the military and intelligence services, a sign that Nigeria’s government does not discriminate based on religion.
Meanwhile, some Nigerians on X warned that the US designation could destabilise the country. One user, @KawuGarba, claimed that foreign actors were funding terrorist groups to weaken Nigeria, while another, @IU_Wakilii, cautioned that internal division could give Western powers an excuse to interfere militarily.
TMSG urged Nigerians to remain united and not to allow foreign interests or local political actors to exploit the issue for selfish purposes.
