- NSA, Service Chiefs Weigh Options Over US Military Threat
- CPPE: It Will Destabilise Nigeria’s Economy, Threaten Regional Stability
- It Should Give Every Nigerian Serious Concern – Obi
President Donald Trump’s recent remarks threatening military action in Nigeria have triggered widespread tension across diplomatic, financial, and security sectors.
The warning, issued via Trump’s Truth Social account on November 1, 2025, accused Nigeria of “Christian genocide” and called for the Pentagon to prepare for “fast, vicious, and sweet” action against Islamist militants.
In reaction to the threat, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday summoned an emergency meeting with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja.
Security sources disclosed that the high-level meeting, which commenced in the afternoon, was convened to assess the implications of President Trump’s comments accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militant attacks.
According to sources, the NSA’s intervention aims to harmonize Nigeria’s security response and evaluate intelligence reports on the potential consequences of the U.S. president’s pronouncement.
The threat has continued to send shock waves through the country as the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has warned that development could trigger capital flight, weaken the naira and destabilise Nigeria’s economy.
In a statement on Monday, Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CPPE, said the threat could have far-reaching implications for the country’s economy and investor confidence.
Yusuf said that although Trump’s comment appears to have been based on “incomplete intelligence and misjudged assumptions,” its source as the President of the US gives it potential impact.
“Regardless of its inaccuracy, the pronouncement has already generated economic, diplomatic, and perceptional consequences for Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“The statement risks undermining the country’s image as a stable investment destination, unsettling financial markets, and eroding confidence among both domestic and international investors.”
He warned that such rhetoric could lead to a decline in foreign direct investment (FDI), capital flight from portfolio and equity investors, decline in venture capital and startup funding, heightened country risk ratings, and investor anxiety.
“Market volatility would likely intensify as investors reassess Nigeria’s risk profile,” he said.
“Likely consequences include falling stock market valuations, rising country risk premiums and insurance costs, higher sovereign bond yields, and naira depreciation due to capital outflows and portfolio reversals.”
The economist added that perceived geopolitical risks could tighten financial conditions and distort macroeconomic indicators, with rising interest rates, weaker currency, reduced foreign reserves, and higher inflationary pressures.
Yusuf who described Trump’s statement as “unwarranted, counterproductive, and economically destabilising,” noted that it represents a disproportionate response that fails to reflect Nigeria’s internal security realities.
He urged that any external engagement with Nigeria on security matters should be “cooperative, not coercive”.
Yusuf stressed that unilateral military action would destabilise Nigeria’s economy, threaten regional stability, and aggravate humanitarian conditions.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday said the threats should give every Nigerian serious concern.
Obi in a post on X, expressed deep concern over Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), calling for diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States.
“The recent pronouncement by the US government declaring Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) and indicating possible military action should give every well-meaning Nigerian serious concern,” the statement read.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented level of insecurity with attendant carnage and the most shocking loss of lives and property. According to Amnesty International, over 10,000 people have been killed in Nigeria since May 2023 and as I have repeatedly lamented, the unwarranted and unprovoked killing of Nigerians is most condemnable, and all efforts must be made to bring it to a stop. It is equally important to state that the terrible situation is significantly avoidable with competent leadership and governance.
“While the insecurity did not start with the present government, what is most unfortunate is the lack and absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism and passion on the part of APC APC-led government/leaders to effectively govern, galvanise and lead Nigeria where no one is unwarrantedly oppressed and killed, a Nation where peace, truth and justice reign!
“As democracies, Nigeria and the US have long been strategic partners committed to regional peace and security. That relationship should not falter. The present situation calls for constructive diplomatic and any other plausible engagement by both nations aimed at addressing the prevailing and disturbing security concerns. Both countries must work in concert and expeditiously towards that purpose.”
