Babachir Lawal on Americans defending Nigerian Christians
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has affirmed that American Christians have a legitimate right to defend Nigerian Christians if they believe those believers are being persecuted. The remark was made during a television interview, where Lawal responded to comments by Donald Trump concerning the treatment of Christians in Nigeria and possible U.S. intervention.
Lawal argued that such defend-and-support actions are anchored in Christian teachings, which emphasise solidarity among believers regardless of national borders. He stated that if Nigerian Christians feel unable to defend themselves, then Christians abroad are within their moral rights to assist. He said: “In the Bible, we are taught to be our brothers’ keepers. If American Christians decide to come to the aid of Nigerian Christians because they are in distress, that is Biblical. They are within their right to do so if Christians feel they are unable to defend themselves.”
Lawal also placed responsibility on the Nigerian government to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. According to him, once the government fails to provide the necessary protection, then affected groups may seek help externally. He asserted: “The government should assure us they can give us the peace and prosperity we desire. If they are unable to do that, they cannot blame any part of society that decides to seek help from anywhere.”
Meanwhile, the controversy stems from Donald Trump’s public warning that the U.S. may cut off aid to Nigeria or even take military action unless the Nigerian government stops the killing of Christians, which he characterised as “horrible atrocities”. Nigeria’s government rejects the notion of state-backed persecution of Christians, saying violence affects citizens of all faiths and that they welcome assistance only if it respects Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Lawal’s comments highlight the tension between religious solidarity, national sovereignty, and foreign-policy intervention. He frames the situation as not simply a diplomatic or political issue, but as a matter of Christian obligation and morality. At the same time, his remarks raise questions about external involvement in Nigeria’s internal security matters, and how such involvement may affect the broader social and religious fabric of the country.
