Group Urges Caution, Asks Trump to Support Peace Efforts in Nigeria

The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a pan-African students’ body, has appealed to United States President Donald Trump to reconsider any plan to launch military action in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Bestman Okereafor, in Enugu, the group urged the U.S. government to instead offer visa-free entry to Nigerian Christians who feel unsafe in the country.

The body also called on Washington to support Nigeria with digital security systems and advanced weaponry to help the military track and eliminate terrorists and bandits.

The organisation urged religious leaders to resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a “testing ground for world powers,” while stressing that national unity and resilience were essential to overcoming insecurity.

It further advised the Federal Government to suspend the rehabilitation of “repentant” Boko Haram and ISWAP members under the Operation Safe Corridor initiative, noting that many Nigerians doubt the sincerity of those who undergo the de-radicalisation process.

“Some who pass through the process may return to terror groups if their personal expectations are not met,” the statement said. “Over 120,000 terrorists have reportedly surrendered, and thousands have been killed, yet insurgency persists. The government must stop prioritising perpetrators over survivors.”

The PSM reiterated its opposition to negotiating with bandits, warning that such measures embolden violent groups and demoralise soldiers at the frontline.

While acknowledging U.S. intentions to support Nigeria, the group emphasised that terrorism affects both Christians and Muslims and should not be framed as a religious conflict.

“We are appealing for world peace, not war,” the statement concluded.