Trump Threatens Military Action Against Nigeria Over Christian Killings

Trump Threatens Military Action Against Nigeria Over Christian Killings
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U.S. President Donald Trump said he has directed the Defense Department to prepare for possible rapid military action in Nigeria if its government fails to curb attacks on Christians, Reuters reported. Trump also announced the suspension of all U.S. aid to Nigeria, calling the country “disgraced” and warning that any American response would be “fast and vicious.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump’s remarks on social media, saying the department was “preparing for action.” Nigeria’s government has not yet responded, though President Bola Ahmed Tinubu defended his country’s record on religious freedom, saying Nigeria “safeguards the rights of all faiths.” The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to combating extremism and maintaining U.S. relations.

Trump’s statement followed his administration’s decision to re-add Nigeria to Washington’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list for alleged religious freedom violations, alongside China, Russia, and Pakistan. U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Tom Cole, supported the move, citing “ongoing persecution of Christians.”

Violence between religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria has long posed challenges for the government, with extremist groups like Boko Haram responsible for thousands of deaths over the past 15 years, affecting both Christians and Muslims.