Trump Threatens US Military Intervention in Nigeria Over 'Treatment of Christians'

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he had asked the Department of Defense to be ready for potential US military intervention in Nigeria if the Nigerian government "continues to allow Christians to be killed."

Trump's Threat and Announced Measures

• Military Threat: Trump suggested, in a post on his Truth Social platform, that the United States might "go into this dreadful country right now, with full force, to completely wipe out the terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities."

• Aid Cutoff: Trump added that the US government would "immediately stop all aid and assistance" provided to Nigeria.

• US Classification: The threat came a day after Trump's decision on Friday to place Nigeria on the list of "Countries of Particular Concern" due to "threats to Christians." The list also includes countries such as China, Myanmar, Russia, and Pakistan.

Nigeria's Response and Denial of Religious Intolerance

• President Tinubu's Denial: Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday denied the claims of religious intolerance and defended his West African nation's efforts to protect religious freedoms.

• Official Stance: Tinubu stated that describing Nigeria as "religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality," citing "constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths" and the government's continuous efforts in this regard.

• Foreign Ministry Pledge: Nigeria's Foreign Ministry pledged in a separate statement to continue fighting extremism and expressed hope that Washington would remain a close ally. The Ministry affirmed it would "continue to defend all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, creed, or religion," adding that Nigeria celebrates the diversity that represents its greatest strength.