Nigerians reacted with alarm after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action. Trump claimed the move aimed to stop the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. On Saturday, he warned that Washington might “go in guns blazing” if Abuja failed to end attacks on Christians.
By Sunday morning, news of Trump’s directive spread quickly, sparking anger and confusion across Nigeria. “If the Nigerian government allows the killing of Christians, the U.S. will stop all aid and act decisively,” Trump declared in a social media post. “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.”
Abuja Rejects Threats, Calls for Respect
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the threat but expressed willingness to discuss counterterrorism cooperation with Washington. He insisted that any partnership must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. “Nigeria is not a country defined by religious intolerance,” Tinubu said on X. His spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, described Trump’s statement as a possible “negotiating tactic,” adding that Nigeria and the U.S. already collaborate on intelligence and arms deals.
Amnesty International reported in May that over 10,000 people have died in jihadist attacks since Tinubu took office. With a population of 220 million divided almost evenly between Christians and Muslims, Nigeria faces violent extremism from multiple fronts, including Boko Haram. Analysts noted that while Christians face targeted attacks, many victims are also Muslims living in the country’s northern regions.
Debate Deepens Over U.S. Motives
Trump’s threat followed calls by Senator Ted Cruz to label Nigeria a violator of religious freedom. Some Nigerians support outside help, arguing it could strengthen security. “If it protects our communities, we should welcome it,” said broadcaster Cyril Abaku. “Terrorism is a global issue, and collaboration helps us survive.”
However, many fear Trump’s remarks hide economic motives. Analysts pointed to Nigeria’s vast rare earth reserves—rich in lithium, nickel, cobalt, and neodymium—located mainly in the insurgency-hit northeast. They warned that U.S. interest in Nigeria’s minerals could shape its foreign policy.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the idea of foreign intervention. “Nigeria doesn’t need a saviour from abroad,” he said. “It needs honest leadership that protects every citizen and ends corruption and violence.”
The U.S. designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” in 2020 for violations of religious freedom, though it never explicitly cited attacks on Christians in that classification.
