Insecurity: Adeleke Calls for Renewed Diplomatic Dialogue Between Nigeria and the US
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged renewed diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States in response to growing security tensions.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke appealed for peaceful dialogue following recent threats of possible military action against Nigeria by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The governor called for constructive diplomacy anchored on the long-standing partnership between both nations, emphasizing cooperation over confrontation.
“I appeal to the Presidency of the United States to support Nigeria in fully implementing its new national security strategy,” Adeleke said, noting that the framework is robust enough to address banditry and terrorism across the country.
Adeleke extended condolences to families affected by violence in northern Nigeria and urged the U.S. to assist Nigeria in overcoming terrorism rather than resorting to threats.
He described Trump’s remarks as a wake-up call for Nigeria to strengthen its counterterrorism collaboration with international allies.
“We need our international partners to deepen their support for Nigerian security agencies,” he said. “A peaceful interface between Abuja and Washington holds the key, not military intervention.”
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for adopting diplomatic measures to ease tensions with Washington and address legitimate Western concerns.
“This is a time for national unity,” he added. “We must stand together to support our leadership in defending citizens and promoting peace. Nigeria needs stability, not conflict, to safeguard democracy and protect its people.”
Meanwhile, President Trump on Sunday reiterated his threat of potential U.S. military operations in Nigeria over alleged religious killings.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was “considering many options,” including possible ground or air strikes, and had directed the Pentagon to prepare a response plan.
He claimed Christianity was facing “an existential threat” in Nigeria, warning that U.S. action would be “fast, vicious, and sweet” if the violence continued.
Reacting, presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a key partner of the United States in the global fight against terrorism, stressing that any cooperation must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Bwala added that President Tinubu and Trump may soon hold a high-level meeting to discuss shared security concerns and dispel misconceptions about religious tensions.
Tinubu had earlier maintained that Nigeria’s religious tolerance remains strong, saying, “The portrayal of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant country does not reflect our reality.”
