Alex Barbir, an American missionary working in Nigeria who has been dubbed a CIA agent by some Nigerians, has opened up about his mission while alleging that his accusers are terrorist sympathizers.
Barbir is from Atlanta, Georgia. He was a footballer before he went into missions. He is the founder of Building Zion, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Christian communities in regions affected by ethno-religious conflict.
He spoke with KAA Truth TV, in a session monitored by Church Times.
Barbir, who has been in Nigeria for two years, explained that his work in the country is in line with his divine calling to support victims of terrorism.
He said he has been to Sudan, Syria, and many other places in the world to build schools and shelters and provide support for victims of terrorism, while pointing out that Nigeria has been his focus for the last two years.
On the CIA Allegations
Regarding the claims that he is a CIA agent, Barbir challenged anyone with evidence to make it public.
“They say I am a CIA agent,” he remarked. “The question is: have you ever seen a CIA agent going public? If I were a CIA agent, would I be challenging the government publicly and asking them to do the right thing about securing lives? Have you seen a CIA agent blasting the government on social media?”
Addressing his choice of clothing, which some find suspicious, he asked, “Do you think I would wear anything in public that I didn’t want people to know about?”
He explained that the logos on his camouflage outfits—which some mistake for CIA insignia—actually represent his faith and values. The outfit features the Christian flag, the American flag, a snake, and a Crusader sign.
Speaking on the snake logo, he said, “It simply means ‘don’t dare me.’ In the US, we all have licenses to carry firearms. There are more guns in the US than human beings. That is why terrorists can’t operate freely there. People have a right to defend themselves.. That is what the snake sign stands for.
Regarding the Crusader logo, he added, “The Crusaders were the ones who defended Europeans against Islamists when Islam was conquering the world and forcing people to convert in the 1400s. That logo simply means I stand for the defense of Christians.”
The Security Situation in Nigeria
Barber dismissed allegations against his activities, insisting he is in the country to help the oppressed. Having built houses for displaced people in Benue and parts of the Middle Belt, he noted that the security situation has worsened over the last two years.
“People are being killed at random. Nothing has changed since I came. The terrorists are slaughtering Christians every day,” he said.
He cited a tragic example where the founder of the mission body he works with in Jos was killed and dismembered by terrorists while he was returning from a funeral.
He insisted the violence is a systemic, religious attack. “You can’t say there is no genocide. You can’t say there is no religion involved. Why would they, for instance, go to Christian-dominated areas to carry out attacks?” He further alleged that non-indigenous Fulanis have invaded the country while the government allows them to operate freely, killing people.
When reminded that the Minister of Defense is a Christian, Barbir responded, “I don’t want to judge him because I don’t know him.. But ‘by their fruit, you shall know them.'”
He argued that government officials are smart and aware of the situation. “They have the power and means to end terrorism if they want to,” he said.
On the recent attack in Jos, he noted, “There is a police station not far from where the attack took place, and they did not fire a shot. It’s not an issue of incompetence; if the government knows where the terrorists are, why are they not working to annihilate them?”
Barbir also criticized the state’s spending priorities, noting that the government buys luxury cars for traditional rulers and senators while failing to secure citizens’ lives.
He described it as “shameful” that the Governor of Plateau State visited an attack scene in an armored tank.
“When I first saw the video of his visit, I thought it was AI,” Barbir said adding, “I got to the scene of the attack about 45 minutes after it happened. I had no gun and no bulletproof vest. I had to go there so we could alert the world. But the governor went there in armoured tank. It’s shameful’
Call to Action
Barbir called on Nigerian church leaders to be at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, rehabilitating victims and fighting injustice.
He also challenged President Tinubu directly: ”You are the Commander-in-Chief, yet your country is under siege. You can’t speak of sovereignty when there are terrorists and suicide bombers everywhere. Blood is being spilled. If your wife or children had been affected, you would do everything to bring justice.”
Despite frequent threats to his life, Barbir remains undeterred. “The Lord is my shepherd. He is my confidence. I see the threats, but I am not afraid. If you take my life, you have not taken my real life.” He declared.
More about Alex Babir
Alex Barbir is about 28 years old as of recent reports.. He has a background in American football as a placekicker: he played college football at Penn State and later at Liberty University, where he also pursued studies in theology and religious studies (including a Master of Divinity with a focus on apologetics).
Barbir is described as a devout Christian. He helped rebuilt dozens of homes (reports mention around 35 in places like Yelewata) for displaced persons and internally displaced people (IDPs) after violence. He has performed similar fear in other countries of the world like Sudan and Syria.
He is know to have documented and spoken out about the violence, including releasing videos and statements accusing perpetrators of killings, kidnappings, and land seizures targeting Christians.
Barbir partners with groups like Equipping the Persecuted and has been praised by some as a “remarkable young leader” for stepping in where others have not.
He maintains a strong presence on social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram @alexbarbir, LinkedIn) and has been featured in YouTube videos and news posts discussing the situation in Nigeria
