United States President Donald Trump has threatened possible military action against Nigeria over what he described as the “killing of Christians by Islamists” in the country.
Trump made the statement on Saturday via his Truth Social account, alleging that the Nigerian Government has failed to curb attacks targeting Christians.
“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,” Trump said.
He added that he had instructed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare a “possible plan of action,” warning that any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
The American leader, who has repeatedly claimed that Christianity is under threat globally, described the situation in Nigeria as an “existential crisis.”
Analysts, however, note that Nigeria’s insecurity affects both Christians and Muslims, with conflicts rooted in complex ethnic, economic, and political grievances rather than purely religious motives.
Trump’s comments come amid heightened tensions over U.S. foreign policy and growing international concern about religious freedom in parts of Africa.
Nigeria remains divided almost evenly between a Muslim-majority north and a predominantly Christian south, with several ongoing internal security challenges including banditry, insurgency, and communal clashes.
The Federal Government has yet to respond officially to Trump’s remarks.
