Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), has cautioned against the growing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States, describing the “Christian genocide” narrative as a false and dangerous distortion of Nigeria’s reality.
Buratai stated this in an article posted on Facebook titled “Mutual Security, Shared Prosperity: A Strategic Path Beyond the US-Nigeria Stalemate.”
He warned that acting on the narrative could lead to grave strategic and diplomatic consequences for both countries.
According to him, the confrontation between the United States and Nigeria, fuelled by the threat of foreign military intervention, represents “a perilous crossroads” that could either lead to catastrophic miscalculation or create an opportunity for a stronger partnership.
He said the notion of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria was “a dangerously reductive distortion,” stressing that any U.S. action based on such misinformation would amount to a strategic blunder and an existential threat to Nigeria.
Buratai advised the U.S. government to abandon coercive and militaristic approaches, which he said would only weaken its credibility and push Nigeria closer to global rivals such as China and Russia. Instead, he urged Washington to pursue “resolute, private collaboration” through intelligence sharing, counter-insurgency support, and engagement built on verified data rather than “inflammatory fiction.”
He further called on the Tinubu administration to take decisive diplomatic steps to counter the negative global narrative. According to him, Nigeria’s “strategic silence” in the face of such claims has become a major national security liability.
Buratai recommended that the government launch an aggressive diplomatic and public relations campaign in Washington and other key capitals, engage reputable international lobbying firms, and send delegations of respected Christian and Muslim leaders to refute the genocide claims before U.S. policymakers.
He also stressed the need for national unity in confronting external threats, urging Nigerians of all faiths to rally behind the government.
“The threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and corporate existence demands that every citizen, Muslim and Christian alike, rally with unwavering unity behind the government,” he said. “Our most potent shield will be demonstrable progress—through improved security and economic self-sufficiency initiatives such as the Dangote Refinery.”
Buratai maintained that genuine partnership, not pressure, remains the only way for the U.S. to advance its interests in a stable and prosperous Africa, while Nigeria must project its own narrative confidently and diplomatically.
He further said that both nations must choose dialogue and collaboration over confrontation to prevent mutual distrust and safeguard their shared interests.
