There is no Christian persecution in Nigeria- Defence chief

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed claims of Christian persecution in the country, insisting that the country’s main security challenge remains terrorism.

While speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja on Monday, November 3, Oluyede dismissed the claim by US President Donald Trump that there is a Christian genocide in Nigerian being carried out by Islamic terrorists.

‘’There are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria. We are facing insecurity, especially terrorism, and it’s something that has been affecting Nigeria for quite some time now.”he said

The security chief explained that the Armed Forces have been working relentlessly to combat terrorism and improve national security. He argued that the security architecture in Nigeria has seen some improvement in recent times following the recent restructuring of the nation’s security system.

“You will recall that just last week, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, recalibrated the security architecture by bringing on board officers of proven integrity who are seasoned in asymmetric warfare to add impetus to our operations”he said

Oluyede assured Nigerians that the military would intensify its campaigns against terrorists and other criminal elements across the country.

“We’re going to add more to what we’re doing, add more impetus to our operations, and ensure that we checkmate this act of terrorism within Nigeria,” he said

The CDS noted that terrorism is not peculiar to Nigeria, describing it as a global issue that requires international cooperation.

“There are several countries that are challenged in that respect, and it calls for collective effort. So if we have countries out there who are ready to support Nigeria, we are ready to have them on board to help us checkmate the act of terrorism within our space” he said.