Why is the Nigerian government denying what ISIS has openly admitted? This explosive episode of The Other Side, hosted by Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum, examines the mounting controversy triggered by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, a new USCIRF report, and the shocking open confession by ISIS that it is targeting Christians in Nigeria.
For weeks, Nigerian officials have been trying to dispute U.S. concerns that Christians are being intentionally attacked. Yet, as Rimamnde shows in this episode, the denials are collapsing under the weight of evidence — including statements from ISIS and Al-Qaeda themselves.
This episode breaks down the unfolding crisis:
- Trump’s Warning & USCIRF’s Findings
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) raised alarms, prompting Donald Trump to state he would “come into Nigeria” to confront terrorists killing Christians. Government officials rushed to counter the claims, insisting terrorism affects all Nigerians equally.
- Nigeria’s High-Powered Delegation to Washington
Led by NSA Nuhu Ribadu, top security and diplomatic officials met Congress to defend Nigeria’s position. But as Rimamnde exposes, no Middle Belt or northern Christian voices were included — weakening the credibility of Nigeria’s presentation.
- ISIS’ Official Admission
In a stunning development, ISIS confirmed — in its own publication — that it is carrying out a campaign of genocide against Christians in Africa, including Nigeria.
This directly contradicts Nigerian officials who insist the attacks are “not religiously targeted.”
- Al-Qaeda’s Growing Footprint in West Africa
Using Al Jazeera and other global reports, Rimamnde details how JNIM and other Al-Qaeda affiliates have already carried out attacks in Nigeria, killed soldiers, and are threatening to overrun Mali and destabilize Burkina Faso.
- The Danger of Failed “Peace Accords” With Bandits
The episode warns that unofficial local peace deals — often supervised by security operatives — are strengthening terrorists, enabling arms flow, and allowing foreign fighters to blend into local groups across the northwest.
- A Turning Point for the Tinubu Administration
Rimamnde recalls President Tinubu’s 2014 criticism of Jonathan’s handling of Christian killings, asking:
Will Tinubu now apply the same standard to himself?
Why This Matters Globally
From Iraq to Syria, from the Sahel to the Lake Chad Basin, ISIS and Al-Qaeda have repeatedly targeted non-Muslims. Nigeria is now their new frontier — with global implications for terrorism, migration, and regional stability.
Your Voice Matters
Do you believe the government is misinterpreting the crisis?
Is ISIS gaining more ground than we admit?
Will denial worsen Nigeria’s security situation?
Share your thoughts below.
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