WASHINGTON/ABUJA
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened rapid military intervention in Nigeria, accusing the West African nation of failing to curb the killings of Christians. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he had ordered the Pentagon to prepare for “fast” action and announced an immediate halt to U.S. aid to Nigeria, calling it a “disgraced country.”
“If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet,” Trump wrote, claiming without evidence that Islamic extremists were “wiping out” Christians. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the warning on X, saying the U.S. Department of War was “preparing for action.”
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected allegations of religious intolerance, asserting that Nigeria “safeguards freedom of religion and belief for all citizens” under its constitution. The country’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fight extremism while maintaining close ties with Washington, emphasizing that Nigeria “will continue to defend all citizens irrespective of faith.”
The warning came a day after the Trump administration reclassified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations—reversing its 2021 removal under President Biden.
While Nigeria continues to battle Boko Haram and other extremist groups, analysts note that most victims of such violence have been Muslims. Still, some U.S. lawmakers and religious groups have praised Trump’s move, urging stronger action against what they describe as “Christian persecution” in Africa’s most populous nation.
