Trump Threatens Military Action in Nigeria Over Christian Persecution

President Donald Trump has raised the prospect of U.S. military intervention in Nigeria to combat escalating violence against Christians. This statement comes one day after he condemned the killings of Christians in the country, suggesting that U.S. aid could be halted if the Nigerian government fails to act against Islamic terrorists operating with apparent impunity.

In a post on social media, Trump stated, “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.” He further instructed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for potential military action, which he characterized as “fast, vicious, and sweet” in response to the attacks on Christians.

Riley Moore, a Republican Representative from West Virginia, has voiced strong concerns regarding the treatment of Christians in Nigeria. In a recent video, he described the situation as a “systematic campaign of persecution by Islamic terrorist organizations.” He cited alarming statistics, claiming that approximately 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria this year alone, averaging around 35 deaths per day due to their faith. Moore emphasized that the Nigerian government appears complicit in this violence, claiming that between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians have been murdered in the country over recent years.

Moore’s statements coincide with his ongoing calls for Nigeria to be designated as a “country of particular concern,” a classification that could jeopardize its international aid. In a letter to Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, Moore expressed the dire situation, stating, “Nigeria has become the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.”

In response to Trump’s remarks, the Nigerian government has pledged to combat extremism but has rejected claims that the violence constitutes genocide. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, asserted, “For the avoidance of any doubt, and out of respect for all the victims and survivors around the world of this unique and appalling crime against humanity, let the record show that there is no genocide, now or ever, in Nigeria.”

During his previous term, Trump placed Nigeria on a watchlist for its treatment of Christians, a designation that was lifted under former President Joe Biden. As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring the implications of Trump’s statements and the ongoing violence against religious minorities in Nigeria.