The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI), a Nigerian civil society organisation, has expressed deep concern over the recent classification of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the United States Government, warning that the accompanying threat of military intervention could undermine ongoing security and diplomatic efforts.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, the group said the U.S. action risks complicating Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism rather than supporting it.
While acknowledging the devastating impact of extremist attacks and the tragic loss of lives across the country, HAI stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and multidimensional, cutting across religious and ethnic divides.
“This is not a one-dimensional religious conflict but a complex, multidimensional security crisis affecting Christians, Muslims, and adherents of all faiths alike,” the statement said.
HAI urged the U.S. Government, led by President Donald Trump, to adopt a collaborative rather than confrontational approach, emphasizing that partnership and mutual understanding are crucial to strengthening counterterrorism efforts and ensuring regional stability.
“We therefore urge President Donald Trump and the U.S. government to pursue collaboration rather than confrontation—working jointly with Nigeria to enhance regional stability, strengthen counter-terrorism efforts, and ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” the group stated.
Highlighting Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa as its most populous nation and a key contributor to peacekeeping and decolonisation efforts across the continent, HAI called for greater respect and cooperation from the international community.
“Nigeria has made enormous sacrifices in blood and treasure for African decolonisation and global peacekeeping missions. We deserve to be treated with respect and accorded our rightful place among the nations,” the statement read.
The group further noted that Nigeria has invested heavily in improving national security through intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, community-based initiatives, and the implementation of its National Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
HAI called on global partners—including the U.S., UK, China, European Union, African Union, and ECOWAS—to support Nigeria’s efforts through intelligence sharing, border security collaboration, and capacity building.
The Hope Alive Initiative is a pro-good governance and development advocacy group based in Nigeria.
