KWANKWASO TO TRUMP: SEND SUPPORT, NOT SOLDIERS

By Ademola Adekusibe
November 3, 2025.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, has urged United States President Donald Trump to assist Nigeria in tackling insecurity through partnership and support rather than threats and military posturing.

Kwankwaso’s reaction comes in the wake of Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians. The former governor, who was also the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), described Trump’s comments as “worrisome” and potentially harmful to Nigeria’s unity if not handled with care.

In a post on X on Sunday, Kwankwaso said the US president should focus on helping Nigeria strengthen its security architecture instead of amplifying divisive narratives.

“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country,” Kwankwaso said. “The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs.”

Kwankwaso added that framing Nigeria’s security challenges as a religious war oversimplifies a complex problem rooted in terrorism, poverty, and governance gaps. He called for greater cooperation between both nations in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, and economic recovery efforts.

Trump had last week warned that the United States would consider “air strikes or boots on the ground” to protect Christians in Nigeria, describing the situation as “a record number of killings.”

The Nigerian government has since rejected Trump’s claims, insisting that the country remains a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty and freedom for all faiths.