Trump Threatens to Send U.S. Troops Into Nigeria Over Alleged Christian Persecution
President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to prepare for military action in Nigeria, saying the government in Abuja is not protecting Christians from extremist attacks.
This is a big escalation in the rhetoric between Washington and the most populous country in Africa which has long been plagued by violence from Islamist militants and communal clashes.
In a tweet, Trump said he would “stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” if the killings continue.
“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,” Trump wrote.
He also told “our Department of War to prepare for possible action” and said any strike would be “fast, vicious and sweet.”
Trump’s comments came a day after Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed Washington’s designation of Nigeria as “a country of particular concern” over religious persecution.
In a statement on Saturday, Tinubu defended Nigeria’s record on religious freedom.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
Nigeria with over 220 million people split almost evenly between Christians and Muslims has been plagued by years of violence from Boko Haram and its splinter group ISWAP. The groups have attacked both Christians and Muslims particularly in the north.
While Trump and US lawmakers like Senator Ted Cruz have accused Nigeria of turning a blind eye to attacks on Christians, analysts say the conflict is more complex involving land disputes, ethnic rivalries and dwindling resources.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government will continue to protect all its citizens.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed or religion. Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength.”
The US State Department listed Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” in 2020 but lifted the designation in 2023 in what was seen as an effort to reset diplomatic ties.This will further test ties.
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Trump Threatens to Send U.S. Troops Into Nigeria Over Alleged Christian Persecution