Nigerian Professionals in Europe Urge EU to Restrain Trump, Seek Strategic Security Support

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 restraint.

The organization asked 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 heighten tensions, give extremist organizations more confidence, and jeopardize Nigeria’s consistent advancements in economic reform and counterterrorism.

Dr. Livinus Chukwuemeka Nwosu, the president of ANPE, and Mrs. Aisha M. Bello, the organization’s secretary and security specialist, signed a statement urging European leaders to “act with wisdom and restraint” by opposing any unilateral US action that may destabilize the West African region.

“As a worldwide voice for diplomacy and balance, we urge the European Union to prevent President Trump from taking any aggressive action or escalating his policies toward Nigeria. Instead of using force, our nation needs constructive involvement. Nigeria’s security and democratic consolidation should be supported by the international community, not threatened, according to the statement.

The group 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 have been impacted by terrorism, insurgency, and banditry in Nigeria, 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 intervention.”

The organization called on the EU to support Nigeria’s continued counterterrorism efforts by providing weapons, exchanging intelligence, and collaborating on training initiatives that would bolster regional security institutions.

ANPE stated that while avoiding any direct meddling in Nigeria’s internal issues, such cooperation should be led by respect for one another and a common commitment to peace.

Positive improvements in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry were also noted in the statement, which the group claimed demonstrated the nation’s tenacity and growth driven by reform.

European investors were reassured by ANPE that their interests are safe, citing improved regulatory openness and restored investor confidence 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 administration is consolidating measures. The group stated that stable international alliances, not geopolitical friction, are necessary for Nigeria’s economic recovery.

Trump’s new designation and threats, according to ANPE, are a “unhelpful distraction” that could undo hard-won progress in counterinsurgency and regional peacebuilding.

It stated that while retaining strong diplomatic ties with Western friends, Nigeria has been collaborating closely with its neighbors, especially Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, to combat terrorism throughout the Lake Chad Basin.

The organization 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 pressure.

It is our responsibility to protect our dignity and sovereignty. The organization continued, “President Tinubu’s administration is constructing institutions that can safeguard citizens and bring about enduring peace.”

In order to avoid escalation and direct international collaboration toward stabilizing West Africa, the statement’s conclusion called on the EU to hold ongoing discussions with both Washington and Abuja.

“Nigeria has always trusted Europe as a partner.” We have faith that the EU’s leadership will contribute to ensuring that the international response to Nigeria’s domestic issues is guided by diplomacy rather than divisiveness. The group stated, “Together, we can defeat terrorism and maintain peace—but only through respect, dialogue, and partnership.”