U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States may take immediate military action against Nigeria if the country fails to stop the reported killing of Christians.
Trump, in a post shared on Truth Social on Saturday, said he had instructed the Defense Department to prepare for a possible “fast” operation in the West African nation.
He also announced an immediate halt to all forms of U.S. assistance to Nigeria, describing the country as “disgraced.”
“If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!” Trump wrote, adding that the operation would go in “guns-a-blazing” to “completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
There was no immediate comment from the Nigerian government on the threat, and the White House also remained silent on the possible timing or details of any military response. However, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a post on X, wrote, “The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
Trump’s comments came a day after his administration reinstated Nigeria on the list of “Countries of Particular Concern” over violations of religious freedom—a designation that allows for sanctions or other measures. Other countries on the list include China, North Korea, Myanmar, Russia, and Pakistan.
Earlier on Saturday, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that Nigeria is committed to protecting the rights of people of all faiths.
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“The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” Tinubu said in a statement, emphasizing constitutional guarantees for citizens’ rights.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fighting violent extremism, saying it “will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion,” and expressed hope that Washington would remain a close ally.
Trump had previously designated Nigeria as a country of concern during his first term, but the designation was lifted by President Joe Biden in 2021. The former president claimed “thousands of Christians” were being killed by radical Islamists in Nigeria, although he provided no evidence.
Religious and ethnic tensions have long contributed to outbreaks of violence across Nigeria, often linked to disputes over land, resources, or ideology. The Boko Haram insurgency, which has lasted for over a decade, has claimed tens of thousands of lives—many of them Muslims, according to human rights groups.
U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Tom Cole, praised Trump’s decision, citing what they described as “the alarming and ongoing persecution of Christians across the country.” The U.S. House Appropriations Committee’s 2026 national security bill includes funding for programs that promote religious freedom and aid communities affected by extremist violence in Nigeria.
Trump’s renewed stance opens the door for potential sanctions or policy measures against Nigeria, though such actions are not automatic. Some religious organizations had urged the re-designation in a letter to Trump last month, warning that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.”
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump reiterated, while urging the U.S. Congress to investigate the issue.
