WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Nigeria, warning the country to stop the ongoing violence against Christians.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that if the Nigerian government fails to curb the killings of Christians, the United States will suspend its aid to the country.
The President further stated that he has directed the Department of Defense to prepare for possible military intervention, emphasizing that America has the power to eliminate terrorists in Nigeria by force.
Following Trump’s directive, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed, “Yes, sir, we are preparing for possible action in Nigeria.”
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in attacks on Christian communities by militant groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP. According to international organizations, hundreds of Christians were killed and dozens of churches destroyed last year alone in religion-based violence.
The international community has repeatedly voiced concern over these attacks, though the Nigerian government maintains that it is actively fighting religious extremism.
So far, neither the Nigerian government nor the White House has issued an official response to Trump’s latest remarks.
Political analysts suggest that Trump’s statement holds political significance as part of his re-election campaign, where he seeks to portray himself as a global advocate for religious freedom.