Nigeria has expressed willingness to accept U.S. help in combating armed groups, provided its sovereignty is respected, amid President Donald Trump’s threats of military action over alleged persecution of Christians.

Nigerian officials and experts denied Trump’s claims of mass killings targeting Christians, noting that groups like Boko Haram and al-Qaeda-affiliated militants attack people of all faiths, particularly in the northeast.

Spokespersons emphasized that the government does not sanction these killings and has taken steps to protect religious freedom, including balanced military appointments and engagement with both Muslim and Christian leaders.

An adviser to President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria welcomes U.S. assistance as long as it respects the country’s territorial integrity, downplaying tensions with the U.S, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Trump’s threat followed Nigeria being placed back on the U.S. “Countries of Particular Concern” list for alleged religious freedom violations.