US President Donald Trump has warned of potential military intervention in Nigeria, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to stop what he described as the “ongoing killing of Christians” in the country.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared that the United States would immediately suspend all aid and assistance to Nigeria if the alleged violence continues. He also suggested that military action could be taken to “wipe out Islamic terrorists” responsible for the attacks.

Trump threatens to halt aid and prepare for action

“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 on Saturday.

The US president said he had instructed the Defense Department—referred to as the ‘Department of War’—to prepare for possible action. “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!” he added.

Trump’s remarks have sparked international concern, with analysts warning that such statements could escalate diplomatic tensions between Washington and Abuja.

Religious violence and divisions in Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, remains deeply divided along religious and ethnic lines, with a Muslim-majority north and a largely Christian south.
For years, the country has grappled with sectarian violence, particularly attacks by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the north.

Human rights groups have reported frequent clashes between herders and farmers, often framed along religious and ethnic lines, though the Nigerian government insists that such conflicts are driven more by resource scarcity and insecurity than by religion.

Trump calls Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’

On Friday, Trump described Christianity as facing an “existential threat” in Nigeria, blaming “radical Islamists” for widespread killings. He also announced that his administration is designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.

Trump said he had directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the situation and provide him with an immediate report.
“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me,” he said.

Nigeria responds to Trump’s statement

Reacting to Trump’s comments, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to religious freedom and national unity.

“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so,” Tinubu posted on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasised that Nigeria “opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”

Meanwhile, Information Minister Mohammed Idris, speaking to Fox News, rejected claims of large-scale killings of Christians, calling the reports “very misleading.”
He said that Nigeria remains committed to addressing security challenges across all regions and stressed that the government “does not discriminate against any religion.”

Growing diplomatic strain

Trump’s warning comes amid already strained US–Nigeria relations, particularly over concerns about security cooperation, governance, and human rights. Analysts believe his remarks could complicate future diplomatic engagement between the two nations, especially if formal sanctions or aid restrictions are introduced.

The situation has also reignited debate within Nigeria about foreign intervention, with political observers urging restraint and calling for peaceful dialogue between both countries.

As tensions rise, global attention remains fixed on Nigeria’s efforts to tackle terrorism and protect communities from extremist violence, while ensuring that the country’s long-standing religious harmony and democratic values are preserved.