FG Deports US Missionary Alex Barbir Over Alleged Role in Nigeria Insecurity

FG Deports US Missionary Alex Barbir Over Alleged Role in Nigeria Insecurity

The Federal Government has expelled American missionary, Alex Barbir, over allegations that his public statements could worsen Nigeria insecurity and deepen divisions in volatile regions.

Authorities said his remarks were provocative and divisive, warning they had the potential to trigger violence, particularly in Plateau State and across the North-Central region. The decision comes at a time of heightened tension, with growing concerns about communal clashes in Nigeria.

The development was confirmed by Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central). Speaking during an interview, she stated that the government acted after carefully reviewing the impact of Barbir’s activities and public engagements.

According to her, the missionary has already been removed from the country. She explained that his actions were considered harmful to national unity, stressing that authorities could not allow statements capable of creating division to persist.

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Essiet further alleged that one of Barbir’s speeches in Jos was followed by a violent incident in which two people were reportedly killed. She argued that such outcomes reinforced fears that his comments could incite unrest, even if indirectly, and justified the government’s decision to act swiftly.

Before his expulsion, Barbir had built a strong presence in parts of Benue State and Plateau, where he was widely known for humanitarian work. His activities included rebuilding homes destroyed by attacks, supporting displaced persons, and providing basic infrastructure in affected communities. In Yelwata, a community hit by violence in 2025, his organisation reportedly reconstructed several houses and assisted residents struggling to recover.

While many locals and community leaders praised his interventions for bringing relief where government response was perceived as slow, his growing influence also attracted criticism. Observers accused him of presenting the Nigeria security crisis in a manner that could heighten religious and ethnic tensions. His repeated description of the situation as a “war,” along with his public criticism of authorities, raised concerns among officials and analysts.

Barbir, however, has denied all allegations. In a video response, he defended his work, insisting that his humanitarian efforts were being overlooked while his comments were being misinterpreted. He also rejected claims linking his statements to violence, accusing government officials of misrepresentation and maintaining that he has never engaged in activities capable of inciting unrest.

Supporters of the missionary, including some religious figures, have backed him, arguing that he was merely drawing global attention to the plight of victims in conflict-affected areas. They described his work as humanitarian and faith-driven, warning that his expulsion could discourage international support for vulnerable communities.

Legal experts note that the Nigerian government has the authority to deport foreign nationals whose actions are considered a threat to public order or national security. Although freedom of expression is guaranteed, it does not extend to statements seen as capable of inciting violence or deepening divisions.

Essiet maintained that the government’s action was preventive, aimed at safeguarding unity and avoiding further escalation of tensions. She warned against narratives that could divide communities, stressing that Nigeria must avoid situations that could spiral into broader conflict.

The expulsion highlights increasing sensitivity by authorities to external voices shaping narratives around the Nigeria insecurity crisis, particularly in regions already grappling with persistent violence and fragile peace.

FG Deports US Missionary Alex Barbir Over Alleged Role in Nigeria Insecurity