In response to US President Donald Trump’s recent threats of military action against Nigeria and his decision to redesignate the nation as a “country of particular concern” due to alleged religious persecution, the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has urged EU leaders to exercise caution.
The organization called on the EU to take a balanced diplomatic stance and to fortify its alliance with Nigeria by providing strategic assistance in the battle against terrorism, banditry, and other types of insecurity in an electronic statement released from Paris on Thursday.
The group called Trump’s comments “provocative and dangerous,” cautioning that they could escalate tensions, give extremist organizations more confidence, and jeopardize Nigeria’s steady progress in economic development and counterterrorism.
ANPE President Dr. Livinus Chukwuemeka Nwosu and group secretary and security specialist Mrs. Aisha M. Bello issued a statement urging European authorities to “act with wisdom and restraint” by opposing any unilateral US intervention that would destabilize the West African area.
“As a worldwide voice of moderation and diplomacy, we urge the European Union to prevent President Trump from taking any aggressive action or escalating his policies against Nigeria. Instead of coercion, our nation needs constructive engagement. The declaration states that rather than endangering Nigeria’s security and democratic consolidation, the international community ought to assist it.
The organization emphasized that portraying Nigeria’s security issues as religious persecution was deceptive and ineffective, and that the country’s religious plurality had traditionally been a source of cultural richness rather than conflict.
ANPE claims that both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria have been impacted by terrorism, insurgency, and banditry, especially in the northern and central parts of the nation.
“Every Nigerian’s life is sacred, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.” The statement went on, “We reject any narrative that weaponizes religion to justify foreign hostility or involvement.
The organization called on the EU to support Nigeria’s continued counterterrorism efforts by providing armaments, exchanging intelligence, and collaborating on training initiatives that would bolster regional security agencies.
According to ANPE, while avoiding any direct meddling in Nigeria’s internal affairs, such cooperation should be led by respect for one another and a common commitment to peace.
Positive advances in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry were also noted in the statement, which the group claimed demonstrated the nation’s tenacity and advancement through reform.
European investors were reassured by ANPE that their interests are safe, citing improved regulatory clarity and revitalized investor trust under the present administration.
“European partners should not be afraid to invest in Nigeria’s energy sector.” To improve accountability, bolster local content, and draw in long-term investment, the government is combining changes. The group stated that stable international alliances, not geopolitical unrest, are essential to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Trump’s new designation and threats, according to ANPE, are a “unhelpful distraction” that could undo hard-won victories in counterinsurgency and regional peacebuilding.
It stated that Nigeria has maintained strong diplomatic ties with Western friends while collaborating closely with its neighbors, especially Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, to combat terrorism throughout the Lake Chad Basin.
The group urged Nigerians not to be influenced by outside provocations and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for staying focused on infrastructure, energy development, and national security in spite of international pressures.
“We must protect our dignity and sovereignty. The organization continued, “President Tinubu’s administration is constructing institutions that can safeguard citizens and bring about enduring peace.
The statement ended with a request that the EU hold ongoing discussions with both Washington and Abuja in order to stop the situation from getting worse and to direct international assistance toward stabilizing West Africa.
“Nigeria has always trusted Europe as a partner. We have faith that the EU’s leadership would contribute to ensuring that the international response to Nigeria’s domestic problems is guided by diplomacy rather than division. We can battle terrorism and maintain peace together, but only if we respect, communicate, and work together,” the association stated.
