Dare Babalola
A security expert, Jackson Lekan Ojo, has warned that any move by the Federal Government to arrest a United States missionary, Alex Barbir, over alleged incitement linked to the recent killings in Plateau State could spark diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with NEWSTELLERS on Wednesday, Ojo cautioned that the situation is highly sensitive and must be handled with care to avoid escalating both international and domestic tensions.
The warning comes amid mounting calls for Barbir’s arrest, including from Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi, who recently urged the government via a Facebook post to hold the missionary accountable for his remarks.
Ojo stressed that arresting the American citizen could have far-reaching consequences, particularly in shaping how Nigeria is perceived internationally on issues of religious freedom.
“We should be very careful. By the time some people are suggesting that he should be arrested and prosecuted in Nigeria, I don’t think that is the best approach,” he said.
He noted that Barbir’s presence in Nigeria is unlikely to be unknown to U.S. authorities, suggesting that both the American government and its diplomatic mission are already aware of his activities.
“He did not just escape from America to come to Nigeria and begin to act. I think the American government knows that such a person is in Nigeria. The American Embassy in Nigeria also knows and is monitoring his activities,” Ojo stated.
The expert further warned that any action taken against the missionary could reinforce existing narratives in the United States about alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.
“It is a very sensitive issue because the American government believes there is religious persecution against Christians, whereas it may not be like that,” he explained.
“There is no Nigerian that is happy that people are being killed, whether Christian, Muslim or traditional worshipper. The real issue is that Nigerians are being murdered and displaced by non-state actors.”
Ojo also raised concerns about the potential backlash if the missionary is detained or harmed while in custody, noting that such a scenario could worsen bilateral relations.
“If something happens to him under detention, how do you think America will take it? It could reinforce claims of religious persecution, especially if a Christian from America is seen to be threatened here,” he warned.
Rather than arrest, Ojo advised the Federal Government to explore diplomatic channels by engaging U.S. authorities to rein in the missionary’s activities.
“The Nigerian government should call on the American Embassy or the United States authorities to call him to order. They can use the Secretary of State or even the White House to caution him,” he said.
He added that deportation remains a safer and legally viable option if authorities find his actions unacceptable.
“If his excesses become too much, Nigeria has the right to deport him. That would be better than taking direct action that could lead to crisis.”
Reiterating his position, the security expert urged restraint, emphasizing that mishandling the issue could inflame tensions both within Nigeria and on the international stage.
“This issue should be handled diplomatically. The government can caution him through appropriate channels rather than taking direct action,” he said.
The debate over Barbir’s role comes amid heightened tensions following the Plateau killings, with stakeholders divided over how to balance accountability with the need to maintain national stability and international relations.
