Provocative And Dangerous – Nigerian Professionals In Europe Beg EU To Stop Trump’s Threat Of Military Strike In Nigeria

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The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has called on the European Union (EU) to intervene following a recent statement by U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he threatened possible military action against Nigeria over alleged genocide against Christians.

In a statement issued from Paris on Thursday, the group described Trump’s remarks as “provocative and dangerous,” warning that such rhetoric could inflame sectarian tensions, embolden extremist groups, and undermine Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism and reform efforts.

The statement, jointly signed by ANPE President Livinus Chukwuemeka Nwosu and Secretary Aisha M. Bello, urged European leaders to “act with wisdom and restraint” by discouraging any unilateral U.S. action that could destabilize West Africa.

“We call on the European Union, as a global voice of balance and diplomacy, to restrain President Trump from any hostile action or policy escalation against Nigeria,” the statement read.
“Our country needs constructive engagement, not coercion. The international community should be supporting Nigeria’s security and democratic consolidation, not threatening it.”

‘Religious Framing Misrepresents Nigeria’s Crisis’

The association stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges — including terrorism, insurgency, and banditry — have affected both Muslims and Christians, rejecting narratives that portray the crisis as religious persecution.

“The lives of every Nigerian, regardless of faith or ethnicity, are sacred. We reject any narrative that weaponises religion to justify foreign hostility or intervention,” ANPE stated.

The group emphasized that Nigeria’s religious diversity has historically been a source of strength and cultural richness, not division.

EU Urged to Deepen Security Cooperation with Nigeria

ANPE called on the European Union to strengthen its strategic cooperation with Nigeria through arms supply, intelligence sharing, and joint military training—while ensuring such assistance respects Nigeria’s sovereignty.

It further noted that genuine partnership, not external interference, is the key to restoring lasting peace in the subregion.

“The EU should focus on enhancing Nigeria’s counterterrorism capabilities through mutual respect and shared commitment to peace,” the statement added.

Assurances to European Investors

The association also used the opportunity to reassure European investors of the safety of their interests in Nigeria, highlighting reforms in the oil and gas sector aimed at increasing transparency and boosting investor confidence.

“European partners investing in Nigeria’s energy sector should have no fear. The government is consolidating reforms to enhance accountability, strengthen local content, and attract long-term investment,” ANPE said.

The professionals described Trump’s comments as an “unhelpful distraction” that risked undermining regional peacebuilding and Nigeria’s cooperation with neighboring countries such as Chad, Niger, and Cameroon in combating insurgency across the Lake Chad Basin.

Commendation for Tinubu’s Leadership

ANPE commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for maintaining focus on national security, infrastructure, and economic reform despite mounting global pressures.

“We have a duty to defend our sovereignty and dignity. President Tinubu’s government is building institutions that can protect citizens and restore lasting peace,” the statement added.

Call for Dialogue

The association concluded by urging the EU to facilitate sustained dialogue between Washington and Abuja, stressing that diplomacy—not confrontation—should guide global engagement with Nigeria.

“We urge the EU to engage both Washington and Abuja in constructive dialogue to prevent escalation and strengthen stability in West Africa,” ANPE said.