ABUJA – United States President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy American military forces to Nigeria, accusing the West African nation of failing to prevent the widespread violence on Christians without mentioning violence on Muslims.
In a post on his Truth Social platform over the weekend, Trump said Washington would halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria and warned of a potential military strike if the government in Abuja did not act swiftly.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote.
The president added that he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare for possible intervention. “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”
The remarks have sparked a sharp response from Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who reiterated that the country “opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.” Tinubu claimed that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that the government is committed to protecting citizens of all faiths.
The controversy comes amid ongoing violence in parts of northern and central Nigeria, where militant groups and armed gangs have targeted communities, including Muslim and Christian populations.
Human rights organisations have long raised concerns about attacks on churches and villages, though the Nigerian government maintains it is tackling insecurity through military operations and regional cooperation.
Analysts say Trump’s comments could strain relations between Washington and Abuja, particularly given Nigeria’s role as Africa’s most populous country and a major oil producer. And not mentioning Muslim persecution sparks debate.
The United States has historically provided Nigeria with security assistance, humanitarian aid, and counter-terrorism support, especially in the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon had been asked to prepare contingency plans but did not provide details. Observers note that any American military action in Nigeria would mark a significant escalation in US involvement in West Africa.
The issue of religious freedom has been a recurring theme in US foreign policy. Last week, Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged violations of religious rights, a move that could trigger sanctions or further diplomatic pressure.
Reactions within Nigeria have been mixed. Some Christian groups welcomed Trump’s strong words, saying they highlight the plight of victims of religious violence. Others, however, warned that foreign military intervention could destabilise the region further and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Nigerian government has yet to announce whether it will engage in direct talks with Washington following Trump’s threats. For now, the rhetoric has heightened tensions and placed Nigeria at the centre of an international debate on security, religion, and foreign intervention.
Sources: France 24, The Guardian, USA Today
