Civil group faults US over Nigeria’s ‘country of concern’ tag

Civil group faults US over Nigeria’s ‘country of concern’ tag

Calls for collaboration, not confrontation, in global security efforts

A civil society organisation, the Hope Alive Initiative (HAI), has expressed concern over the recent decision by the United States government to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), warning that such a move and the accompanying threat of military intervention could undermine the nation’s ongoing security and diplomatic efforts.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, the group said that while extremist violence has indeed led to tragic loss of lives, the situation in Nigeria is a complex, multi-dimensional crisis that cuts across ethnic and religious lines, rather than a one-sided religious conflict.

“While we acknowledge with profound sorrow the murderous killings by extremist groups and the tragic loss of innocent lives, we must categorically state that the victims cut across all religious and ethnic divides,” the group said.
“This is not a one-dimensional religious conflict but a complex, multi-dimensional security crisis affecting Christians, Muslims, and adherents of all faiths alike.”

HAI urged U.S. President Donald Trump and the American government to adopt a collaborative approach in addressing Nigeria’s challenges, noting that cooperation — rather than confrontation — would be more effective in enhancing regional stability and strengthening the global war on terrorism.

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“We therefore urge President Donald Trump and the U.S. government to pursue collaboration rather than confrontation — working jointly with Nigeria to enhance regional stability, strengthen counter-terrorism efforts, and ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” the statement read.

The group emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance as Africa’s most populous nation and highlighted the country’s long history of contributing to peacekeeping missions, decolonisation efforts, and the emancipation of the black race. It said Nigeria deserves respect and understanding from the international community as it continues to confront its security challenges.

HAI pointed to several government-led efforts, including enhanced intelligence coordination, community-based security initiatives, the implementation of the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the expansion of the Interfaith Dialogue Platform, all of which demonstrate the country’s commitment to peace and stability.

“Contrary to claims that Nigeria has been sitting idle, the government has committed substantial resources and implemented comprehensive initiatives. These include increased year-on-year security and defence budgets, multiple military operations, and non-kinetic measures that show our unwavering commitment to protecting all Nigerians,” the group explained.

The organisation appealed for greater international support, urging global partners such as the U.S., U.K., China, the EU, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in areas of intelligence sharing, border security, and capacity building.

“Nigeria needs the understanding and cooperation of the global community in its determination to overcome its security challenges,” HAI stated.

Civil group faults US over Nigeria’s ‘country of concern’ tag