U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Nigeria with possible military action, accusing its government of failing to protect Christians from violence.
According to a report by The New York Times’ Pranav Baskar, President Trump said he had ordered the Pentagon “to prepare for possible action” to eliminate “Islamic terrorists” in Nigeria. He wrote on social media that any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded online with “Yes sir,” confirming the Pentagon was “preparing for action.”
“The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately,” Trump said. “Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
The New York Times reported that the statement followed Trump’s announcement that he would designate Nigeria a “country of particular concern” for what he described as “severe violations of religious freedom.” He claimed that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, citing accounts of targeted violence.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rejected the accusation. In a statement issued Saturday, he said the portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant “does not reflect our national reality” and that the government has made “consistent and sincere efforts” to safeguard freedom of religion.
Both Reuters and the Associated Press confirmed that Trump’s remarks have heightened diplomatic tension between Washington and Abuja. Analysts cited by The New York Times said any military action would face major logistical challenges given the scale and complexity of extremist violence across Nigeria.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, has faced years of conflict involving extremist groups such as Boko Haram and other armed factions that have targeted both Christian and Muslim communities.
The United States withdrew its forces from neighbouring Niger in 2024, which analysts said would complicate any potential U.S. operation in the region.
The New York Times also noted that Nigeria relies heavily on U.S. global health assistance, accounting for roughly 21 percent of its national health budget.
