In a dramatic escalation of U.S. foreign-policy rhetoric, former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States may launch military action in Nigeria if the country’s government does not stop the attack on Christians by extremist groups.
Trump said on his social-media platform that he has instructed the U.S. Defense Department (which he referred to as the “Department of War”) to prepare for possible military action. He posted:
“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.”
Key Points
- Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged violations of religious-freedom protections.
- In his post, Trump claimed that more than 7,000 Christians had been killed in Nigeria during the first 220 days of 2025.
- Nigeria’s government strongly rejected the accusations, saying the country “celebrates diversity” and protects all citizens regardless of faith.
- The U.S. defense apparatus responded, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tweeting “Yes sir” and affirming preparations for possible action.
Implications
- If acted upon, the threat represents a sharp turn in U.S. policy and could significantly affect U.S.–Nigeria relations, regional stability in West Africa, and international law.
- It raises questions about how the U.S. defines and responds to “religious persecution” in foreign nations, especially when violence also affects other religious groups.
- The claim of Christian-targeted killings is disputed by Nigerian officials who say Muslims have also been disproportionately impacted by insurgent violence.
What to Watch
- Whether the U.S. proceeds with sanctions, cuts off aid, or initiates military preparations as described.
- Nigeria’s official response, and whether it will seek help from international partners to de-escalate.
- How other countries and the U.N. react to the possibility of a U.S. military intervention on such a basis.
- The domestic reaction in the U.S., especially among policymakers, NGOs on religious freedom, and foreign-policy analysts.
