Trump Orders U.S. Military to Prepare for Possible Action in Nigeria Over Alleged Christian Persecution
U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed the Defense Department to prepare for possible military intervention in Nigeria after accusing the country of permitting violence against Christians—a claim Nigerian officials firmly reject.
Donald Trump directs the Pentagon to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria amid claims of Christian persecution, which Nigeria denies.
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, alleging what he called a “mass slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria. He said the United States would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” and warned the government to act quickly to stop the attacks.
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In a follow-up message, Trump stated that the U.S. “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.” He added that he had instructed the Department of War to prepare for potential action, promising that any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
The remarks came a day after Trump’s administration designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act. The classification signals that U.S. authorities believe Nigeria has engaged in or tolerated systematic and severe violations of religious freedom. Trump claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.”
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the designation, asserting that it misrepresents the country’s situation. “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said in a statement. He emphasized his government’s commitment to safeguarding freedom of religion for all citizens and maintaining cooperation with the U.S. and international community to protect communities of all faiths.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s press secretary, also responded to comments by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had condemned the “slaughter of thousands of Christians.” Onanuga described that claim as “a gross exaggeration,” explaining that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of extremist violence. He said Nigeria needs military support, not punitive designations, to combat terrorism and insurgency.
Security analysts note that Nigeria’s violence stems from complex factors including terrorism, ethnic and communal conflicts, and resource-driven disputes between farmers and herders. Although Christian communities have suffered attacks, local reports indicate that many victims of extremist violence are Muslims residing in the country’s northern regions.
Both the White House and the Nigerian presidency have yet to issue formal responses to Trump’s statement or clarify whether diplomatic discussions are ongoing.
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