The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned Nigerians against calling for the intervention or protection of the United States in Nigeria’s internal affairs, warning that such actions could expose the country to foreign domination similar to what it alleged has occurred in Venezuela.
In a press statement issued on Monday, 5 January 2026, and signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organisation urged Nigerians to draw lessons from recent developments in Venezuela, which it described as a warning signal for resource-rich nations.
According to MURIC, the situation in Venezuela demonstrated how foreign powers could allegedly exploit internal crises as justification for intervention and eventual control of strategic resources, particularly crude oil. The group claimed that the United States used the issue of hard drugs as a pretext in Venezuela and later assumed control over the country’s oil reserves.
MURIC warned that Nigeria, as Africa’s leading crude oil producer with over 37 billion barrels in reserves, could face a similar risk if Nigerians continue to promote what it described as a “false narrative” of religious persecution to attract foreign involvement.
The organisation further dismissed claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria, argued that recent violent attacks across parts of the country have predominantly affected Muslim communities. It cited the deadly attack on Kasuwan-Daji market in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, noting that information from its state branch indicated that a majority of the victims were Muslims.
Professor Akintola accused those promoting the Christian genocide narrative of endangering Nigeria’s sovereignty, alleging that such actions could open the door to foreign exploitation of the country’s natural resources. He also warned that any foreign intervention would ultimately affect Nigerians across religious lines.
MURIC called on Nigerians to adopt a united national front and urged those advancing religious persecution narratives to reconsider their stance in the interest of national unity and self-preservation. The group maintained that while it does not oppose America’s global influence, such influence should not come at the expense of Nigerian lives, dignity, or resources.
The organisation concluded by warning Nigerians against surrendering control of the country’s wealth to foreign interests, stressed that the consequences could be irreversible if ignored.
