Trump warns of possible U.S. military action in Nigeria over alleged Christian killings
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Nigeria’s government, threatening potential military intervention if attacks against Christians in the country are not halted immediately.
Trump made the declaration on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, accusing the Nigerian authorities of failing to protect Christian communities from extremist violence.
In his statement, the American president claimed that “radical Islamist groups” were carrying out widespread killings in Nigeria, describing the situation as an “existential threat” to Christianity in Africa’s most populous nation.
He said the United States could suspend all financial aid to Nigeria and, if necessary, deploy U.S. troops to “wipe out” those responsible for the violence.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow these killings, the United States will halt all aid and may have no choice but to enter that country to eliminate the terrorists responsible,” Trump said, describing any such operation as “swift and decisive.”
The U.S. leader also ordered the Department of War, recently renamed from the Pentagon to begin contingency planning for possible action in Nigeria.
He also directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to conduct an inquiry into the situation.
Trump’s warning came just a day after he designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under U.S. foreign policy, citing alleged persecution of Christians and what he called “mass slaughter” by Islamist militants.
“The United States cannot stand idly by while these atrocities persist,” he wrote.
The declaration has sparked diplomatic unease and debate among international observers, many of whom warn that Washington’s tone could strain relations with Abuja.
Responding to the allegations, President Bola Tinubu dismissed claims that Nigeria is hostile toward Christians, insisting that the country remained committed to upholding religious freedom and equality before the law.
In a statement personally signed by the president, he stressed that his administration continued to engage both Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace and address insecurity nationwide.
“The portrayal of Nigeria as intolerant of any faith does not reflect our reality.
“Ours is a nation built on diversity and constitutional guarantees that protect every citizen’s right to worship freely, ” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s readiness to work with the United States and other international partners to combat terrorism while ensuring that no community feels targeted or marginalised.
Political analysts say the heated exchange between Washington and Abuja underscores the sensitivity of Nigeria’s religious landscape and the global scrutiny surrounding its security challenges.
Diplomatic experts have urged both governments to resolve the issue through dialogue rather than threats, warning that any military posturing could destabilise cooperation between the two nations.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, has long battled extremist violence in parts of the north and central regions, where both Christian and Muslim communities have suffered from terrorist attacks.
