United States President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that American forces were ‘annihilating’ terrorists in Nigeria whom he accused of killing Christians in large numbers.

“Many good things are happening,” Trump said. “In Nigeria, we are annihilating terrorists who are killing Christians. We’ve hit them very hard. They’ve killed thousands and thousands of Christians.”

Trump made the remarks at the Board of Peace signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as he spoke on what he described as progress in global peace and security efforts.

Nigerian authorities, however, have consistently rejected such a framing of the country’s security challenges.

The Federal Government has maintained that terrorism and violent extremism affect all communities, regardless of religion, and that victims of insurgency include Muslims, Christians and others.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun have all stated in various briefings that Nigeria’s security crisis is driven by a complex mix of terrorism, banditry and organised criminal violence, rather than a singular religious agenda.

Speaking at the ceremony, Trump emphasised the significance of the newly unveiled initiative, saying, “What we’re doing is so important. This is something I really wanted to be here and do, and I could think of no better place.”

Trump also spoke extensively about Gaza, insisting that the territory must be demilitarised and rebuilt.

“Gaza has to be demilitarised and rebuilt nicely,” he said, warning militant groups to disarm. “If Hamas doesn’t do what they promised, they must lay down arms, or it’ll end them. They grew up with rifles.”

He linked developments in the Middle East and Nigeria to the work of the Board of Peace, which he said was drawing growing international interest.

On the composition of the new peace body, the US president said participation was expected to expand.

“Everybody wants to be on the Board of Peace. These are just the countries here now; loads more will join,” he said.

(The Nation)

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