Trump warned that the United States could cut aid and resort to force against Nigeria, accusing its government of failing to prevent attacks on Christians. He stated on Truth Social that continued violence would trigger a halt to American assistance and that military options were being prepared, claiming the goal would be to eliminate Islamist militants blamed for the killings. Trump said he had directed the Defense Department to ready itself and asserted that any operation would be executed quickly and decisively.
His remarks aligned with his assertion that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria. He announced that Nigeria would be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged religious persecution and instructed congressional leaders Riley Moore and Tom Cole to investigate and update him.
The comments reignited debate over religious conflict in Nigeria, a nation marked by longstanding tensions between its Muslim-majority north and Christian-majority south. Violence involving extremist groups, communal disputes, and bandit networks has contributed to persistent insecurity. Trump framed the situation as systematic targeting of Christians.
Nigeria rejected the allegations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasised that religious tolerance remains fundamental to the country’s identity. He said the state does not endorse or permit persecution. Information Minister Mohammed Idris told the media that claims of mass faith-based killings were misleading and denied that large-scale atrocities against Christians were occurring.
