Trump Threatens Military Action Against Nigeria Over Alleged Killings of Christians

Amid reports of Christians being targeted in Nigeria, former US President Donald Trump has warned of potential military action if the Nigerian government fails to curb the alleged violence. Trump said on Saturday that he has asked the US Defense Department to prepare for a “fast” strike against what he called “Islamic terrorists” in the West African nation.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also announced that the US would immediately suspend all aid to Nigeria, referring to the country as “disgraced.” He warned that if the Nigerian government does not act, the US would “go guns-a-blazing to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

“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!” he wrote.

White House and Pentagon Reaction

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump’s remarks on X, saying the “Department of War” is preparing for possible action. “Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” he posted.

The Trump administration recently restored Nigeria to the US list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for alleged violations of religious freedom — a designation that includes China, Russia, Pakistan, Myanmar and North Korea. Nigeria was placed on the list during Trump’s first term but was removed under President Joe Biden in 2021.

Trump did not provide evidence for his claim that “thousands of Christians” are being killed, but the accusation prompted an official response from Abuja.

Nigeria Rejects Accusations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed Trump’s comments as “an inaccurate characterization,” insisting Nigeria protects religious freedom. “This does not reflect our national reality,” he told Reuters, adding that both Christians and Muslims suffer from extremist violence.

Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry also defended the country’s record, saying it remains committed to fighting violent extremism and values its partnership with Washington. “Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength,” the statement said.

Nigeria, a nation of about 230 million people, is almost evenly split between Christians and Muslims, and both communities have experienced deadly attacks. In April, at least 40 people were killed when gunmen targeted a Christian farming community. The country continues to face multiple security threats, including Boko Haram, which has attacked both Muslims and Christians.