The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has made a formal appeal to the European Union, urging it to restrain US President Donald Trump from escalating hostile policies or military action against Nigeria. This decisive move comes in response to what the group labels as "provocative and dangerous" remarks from the American leader.
Diplomatic Appeal for Restraint
In a statement released from Paris on Thursday, November 13, 2025, the association called on EU leaders to adopt a balanced diplomatic approach. The ANPE, representing a significant body of Nigerian experts abroad, warned that President Trump's threats could fuel domestic tension and critically undermine Nigeria's hard-won gains in its counterterrorism efforts.
The controversy ignited after President Trump announced plans to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing allegations of religious persecution. The ANPE firmly rejected this framing, describing the US leader's comments as reckless.
Rejecting the Religious Persecution Narrative
The professional group strongly dismissed the claim that Nigeria's security challenges stem from religious persecution. They described such a narrative as both misleading and dangerously simplistic.
"Terrorism, insurgency, and banditry in Nigeria have affected Muslims and Christians alike," the statement clarified, emphasizing that the violence has particularly devastated communities across the northern and central regions. The association affirmed that the life of every Nigerian, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, is sacred and should not be weaponized to justify foreign hostility.
A Call for Strengthened EU-Nigeria Partnership
Instead of coercion, the ANPE advocated for robust international support for Nigeria's security and democratic consolidation. The group outlined a clear path for the European Union to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria through practical measures.
These measures include enhanced intelligence sharing, joint training programs, logistical support, and capacity building for local security institutions. The association stressed that all cooperation must be anchored in the principles of mutual respect and non-interference.
The statement, jointly signed by Dr. Livinus Chukwuemeka Nwosu, ANPE President, and Mrs. Aisha M. Bello, the group's Secretary and a security expert, also highlighted Nigeria's economic resilience. They pointed to the progress in oil and gas reforms that have enhanced transparency and boosted investor confidence, assuring European partners in the energy sector of the government's commitment to accountability.
Regional Stability and Sovereign Dignity
The professionals warned that President Trump's rhetoric risks emboldening extremist groups and destabilizing the entire West African region, where Nigeria plays a pivotal role in peacekeeping and counterterrorism. They commended President Bola Tinubu's administration for maintaining its focus on national security and economic growth despite mounting global pressures.
"We have a duty to defend our sovereignty and dignity," the ANPE stated, urging Nigerians to remain united and not be swayed by external provocations. The group concluded with a powerful call for sustained EU engagement with both Washington and Abuja to prevent further escalation, reinforcing that "diplomacy, not division" must guide the global response to Nigeria's internal challenges.
