According to a report by Daily Post on Sunday 2 November, 2025, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), has urged President Bola Tinubu to address what he calls the dangerous misinformation surrounding claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. He dismissed the idea as a falsehood capable of straining ties between Abuja and Washington.
In a lengthy Facebook essay titled “Mutual Security, Shared Prosperity: A Strategic Path Beyond the US-Nigeria Stalemate,” Buratai argued that recent tensions between the two countries stem largely from misrepresentation and poor diplomacy. He warned that if such narratives continue unchecked, they could spiral into serious strategic and diplomatic fallout.
According to the retired general, the recent rhetoric from Washington, particularly talk of potential U.S. military action, has placed both nations at what he described as a “perilous crossroads.” He suggested that this moment could either descend into needless hostility or open a door to deeper cooperation – depending on how both sides choose to act.
Buratai dismissed the “Christian genocide” allegation outright, saying it grossly oversimplifies Nigeria’s complex security situation and misleads policymakers abroad. Any American decision grounded in that assumption, he said, would amount to a serious misjudgment that could threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty and regional stability.
He cautioned U.S. officials against resorting to coercion or shows of military might, insisting that such approaches would only erode Washington’s credibility while driving Nigeria closer to powers like China and Russia. In place of confrontation, Buratai recommended quiet, results-oriented collaboration – through intelligence exchange, targeted counterterrorism assistance, and policies informed by verified data, not emotion or ideology.
Turning to the Nigerian side, the former army chief faulted what he described as the government’s muted response to global narratives that portray the country as hostile to Christians. That silence, he said, has become a vulnerability that adversaries exploit.
To reverse the damage, Buratai urged the Tinubu administration to mount an assertive diplomatic and public relations effort in Washington and other major capitals. Such a campaign, he noted, should involve credible lobbying groups and interfaith delegations of respected Christian and Muslim figures who can present Nigeria’s realities firsthand to U.S. lawmakers and policymakers.
He also underscored the need for unity at home, calling on citizens of all faiths to rally behind the government in defense of national sovereignty. “The threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and corporate existence demands that every citizen, Muslim and Christian alike, rally with unwavering unity behind the government,” Buratai stated.
Beyond rhetoric, he suggested that Nigeria’s best defense lies in progress – particularly through visible improvements in security, economic independence, and key projects like the Dangote Refinery.
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