The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) has called on the Federal Government to treat recent comments attributed to U.S. President, Donald Trump, about Nigeria’s security situation as a wake-up call for decisive leadership and international engagement rather than an attack on the nation’s image.
Trump had reportedly described the wave of killings in parts of Nigeria as “acts of genocide,” sparking global debate.
In a statement issued by the IHRC Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, the commission said the situation on ground, though deeply troubling, should serve as a serious reminder for urgent national reflection and reform.
The IHRC, through its Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr Hezekiah Duru, emphasised that even criticism, when rooted in humanitarian concern, should not be dismissed but used as an opportunity for introspection.
“The painful truth is that innocent Nigerians including Christians, Muslims, and citizens of no particular faith, continue to suffer deaths, displacement, and trauma from the actions of terrorists and banditry.
“The loss of human lives cannot be ignored. The Nigerian Government must act now to prevent deeper misperceptions and diplomatic isolation,” Duru said.
He noted that violence across Nigeria, particularly in the North, Middle Belt, and parts of the South East, has exposed government’s failure to protecting its citizens.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to take Trump’s comments as a challenge to restore security and public trust.
He stressed that “Nigeria must seize this moment to protect its citizens and rebuild confidence within the community of nations.”
He urged newly appointed security chiefs to adopt proactive, intelligence-driven strategies and not wait for attacks before responding.
“You cannot sleep with a burning fire in your roof and expect to wake up whole.
“The time to act is now, before isolated violence grows into an entrenched crisis,” Duru warned.
He urged Nigeria to engage more actively with the international community, particularly the United States Government, the European Union and the United Nations, to reinforce trust and attract technical and intelligence support.
It cautioned that “diplomatic silence in moments of global scrutiny can be misread as indifference.”
According to the him , consistent communication and collaboration with allies would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to peace and human rights.
He further proposed the creation of a High-Level Diplomatic Advisory Council made up of seasoned statesmen, legal experts, and foreign policy professionals to guide government’s engagement with international organisations and foreign governments.
Such a council, he said, would reflect Nigeria’s seriousness in addressing insecurity and rebuilding confidence on the world stage.
Duru reminded the government that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion under Section 38(1), aligning with international human rights frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
“These provisions must remain living principles, not dormant clauses,” he said, warning that terrorism, communal violence, and kidnappings continue to erode national stability and global trust.
Ambassador Duru emphasised that the Nigerian government must lead its own rescue mission through stronger institutions, interfaith unity, credible communication, and a renewed commitment to human rights protection.
“The world is watching, and silence or inaction will only embolden false narratives and external interference,”
he added.
Reaffirming its readiness to partner with the Federal Government, civil society and international allies, Duru said the IHRC would continue advancing peacebuilding, justice and human rights monitoring initiatives across Nigeria.
He stressed that religious freedom and human dignity are not privileges but universal rights, calling for unity in addressing insecurity and restoring hope.
“A tree does not stand alone in the storm, unity which remains the strength of our dear nation is highly threatened.
“Nigeria’s destiny as Africa’s democratic leader depends on its ability to protect its citizens and act decisively against threats to life and peaceful coexistence.
“The time for decisive action is now,” he said.
