US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Nigeria, stating that the United States may take military action if the Nigerian government fails to halt the ongoing killings of Christians across the country.
In a heated message shared on social media, Trump cautioned that the U.S. would suspend all forms of aid to Nigeria and could launch direct military intervention if the attacks continue.
He wrote:
“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. I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. 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!”
Trump’s comments come shortly after he designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing what he described as serious violations of religious freedom.
Nigeria has grappled with prolonged violence and insecurity, including Boko Haram attacks, Islamist militant activity in the northeast, and recurring clashes between Fulani herders and Christian farming communities.
Trump’s statement has sparked mixed reactions globally. Supporters—including U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and rapper Nicki Minaj—have applauded him for “defending persecuted Christians.”
However, Nigerian authorities have firmly dismissed the allegations.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, told Newsweek:
“There is no genocide, now or ever, in Nigeria. These claims are exaggerated and politically motivated.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also responded, emphasizing that religious freedom is a fundamental part of Nigeria’s national values.
“Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it. Our population is nearly evenly split between Christians and Muslims, and our constitution guarantees freedom of religion,” he stated.
Trump’s remarks mark a significant escalation in rhetoric toward one of Africa’s largest nations and a major U.S. partner in counterterrorism operations.
Observers caution that the comments could intensify diplomatic tensions between Washington and Abuja as both countries navigate sensitive issues surrounding religious freedom, security, and human rights.
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