Former presidential media aide, Bashir Ahmad, has alleged that an American missionary, Alex Barbir, has been directed by Nigerian authorities to leave the country over accusations of attempting to incite religious tensions in parts of North-Central Nigeria.
Ahmad made the claim on Wednesday evening via a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he described Barbir as a “hate monger” and said he had received information from what he termed a “reliable source” regarding the alleged decision.
According to Ahmad, Barbir’s activities since arriving in Nigeria were allegedly aimed at stirring division among communities, particularly in the North-Central region, an area that has experienced periodic religious and communal tensions in the past.
“A reliable source has informed me that the hate monger, Mr. Alex Barbir, has been ordered by the authorities to leave this country,” Ahmad wrote.
“Since arriving in Nigeria, he has been attempting to ignite religious tensions, particularly in communities he visited across the North Central region.
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“Our nation’s peace and unity must never be compromised and anyone found promoting division should be held accountable.”
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from Nigerian immigration authorities or security agencies regarding the alleged directive, and Barbir has not publicly responded to the claims.
The allegation has begun generating reactions online, with users divided over concerns about national security, freedom of religious expression, and the role of foreign missionaries operating in sensitive regions.
Nigeria’s North-Central region has long been a focal point for intercommunal and religious tensions, making any claims of external influence or provocation particularly sensitive in public discourse.