President Donald Trump on Saturday directed the Department of Defense to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria, claiming the country’s government has failed to stop attacks on Christians.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and may go in ‘guns-a-blazing,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He referred to the Pentagon as the “Department of War” and warned the Nigerian government to “move fast.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth replied on X that his department was “preparing for action,” adding, “Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists committing these atrocities.”
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu rejected Trump’s characterization, saying Nigeria “opposes religious persecution” and remains committed to protecting all faiths. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project show that between 2020 and September 2025, 385 attacks targeted Christians, resulting in 317 deaths, while 417 Muslims were killed in 196 attacks — many tied to resource conflicts rather than religion.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) recently urged Congress to label Nigeria a violator of religious freedom. Critics warn Trump’s remarks risk inflaming tensions in West Africa.
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