Nigeria entered a tense weekend after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to plan possible military action. His comments reignited the debate over alleged Christian persecution and raised fears of foreign intervention. Trump warned on Saturday that the U.S. might halt all aid and “go in guns blazing” if Nigeria failed to protect Christians. His post claimed the American military would “strike fast, viciously, and sweetly” against what he called “terrorist thugs.”
Nigerians reacted sharply on Sunday as reports spread of Trump’s directive. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected any threat to national sovereignty but offered to meet Trump to discuss security cooperation. Tinubu insisted Nigeria is not a religiously intolerant country and emphasized that dialogue must guide U.S.–Nigeria relations.
Abuja Pushes Back as Debate Intensifies
Tinubu’s spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, suggested that Trump’s words might represent a negotiation tactic, not an actual military plan. He reminded reporters that both nations already cooperate through intelligence sharing and arms deals to fight Islamist insurgents.
The discussion resurfaced Nigeria’s long-standing religious violence. Amnesty International reported in May that jihadist attacks killed more than 10,000 people since Tinubu took office. With 220 million citizens divided almost evenly between Christians and Muslims, Nigeria faces attacks from several fronts, including Boko Haram and Fulani extremists.
Analysts argue that the crisis extends beyond religion. While extremist groups often target Christians, many Muslim civilians in northern Nigeria also suffer. Yet evangelical leaders, such as Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, insist the killings amount to a Christian massacre. Advocacy groups like Open Doors and International Christian Concern report over 7,000 Christian deaths in 2025 alone, calling it deliberate persecution.
Motives Behind U.S. Interest Questioned
Trump’s warning came weeks after Senator Ted Cruz urged Congress to list Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom. The proposal divided Nigerians: some welcomed potential U.S. help against terrorists, while others rejected any form of intervention. Broadcaster Cyril Abaku supported foreign assistance, saying, “Terrorism is global now. If outside help can protect our people, we should accept it.”
However, many Nigerians suspect Trump’s motives involve more than humanitarian concern. Analysts point to Nigeria’s growing importance in rare earth production, essential for defense, electric vehicles, and renewable technologies. Significant monazite deposits rich in lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel lie in the insurgency-ravaged northeast.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the idea of foreign rescue, arguing, “Nigeria needs accountable leaders who protect citizens and end corruption, not foreign saviors.”
The U.S. previously labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” in 2020 for systemic violations of religious freedom, though the classification did not single out attacks on Christians. Trump’s latest remarks have revived both national insecurity fears and skepticism about America’s true intentions.
