U.S. President accuses Abuja of allowing “killings of Christians,” warns of aid cut and “fast, vicious” response — Nigeria rejects allegation as inflammatory.
United States President Donald Trump has again threatened potential military action against Nigeria, accusing the government in Abuja of “allowing the killings of Christians.”
In a video broadcast released late Wednesday, Trump claimed that his administration was reviewing its policy toward Nigeria and had directed the Pentagon to prepare contingency plans, including possible strikes.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killings of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria,” Trump declared.
“We are going to do things to Nigeria that Nigeria is not going to be happy about. Guns are blazing to completely wipe out Islamic terrorists. I’m hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it would be fast and vicious.”
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The remarks, which have triggered widespread alarm among diplomatic observers, came just days after Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom — a move that drew sharp condemnation from Abuja.
White House and Pentagon officials confirmed that Trump had asked defense planners to “present options,” though they stressed that no decision had been made on any form of military engagement.
Reacting swiftly, Nigerian authorities rejected what they described as “baseless and inflammatory allegations,” insisting that the country’s security challenges affect citizens of all faiths and regions.
A senior government source in Abuja told reporters that Nigeria “will not be bullied or blackmailed by reckless threats,” adding that the government “remains committed to protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religion.”
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Diplomatic analysts have warned that Trump’s repeated threats could strain U.S.-Nigeria relations and inflame religious sensitivities at a time when the West African nation is battling multiple internal security crises.
Trump’s latest outburst follows growing U.S. criticism of Nigeria’s handling of religious violence and internal conflicts. His previous comments sparked outrage across Africa, with many accusing the former president of using religious rhetoric to justify foreign intervention.
With Washington weighing options and Abuja standing firm, tensions between the two nations appear set to rise — a development that could reshape the geopolitical balance in West Africa if not carefully managed.