United States President Donald Trump has directed the American military to prepare for possible action against Islamist militants operating in Nigeria, warning that Washington will not stand by as Christians continue to face attacks in parts of the country.
In a statement posted on his social media platform over the weekend, Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to stop violence by extremist groups and threatened to suspend all American aid if the situation does not improve. He said he had instructed the Department of Defense to remain on alert, ready to act swiftly and decisively against those responsible for the killings.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the slaughter of Christians, the U.S. will immediately cut off aid and may take direct action to eliminate the terrorists responsible,” Trump wrote, adding that the world must no longer ignore the persecution of believers.”
The remarks mark one of Trump’s most forceful statements on Africa since returning to office, signalling a possible shift in Washington’s approach to counterterrorism on the continent. Analysts say his comments could strain relations with Abuja, a longstanding U.S. security partner in West Africa.
Nigeria’s government swiftly reacted to the president’s warning, rejecting what it called a misrepresentation of the country’s realities. Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala said Nigeria remains committed to protecting citizens of all faiths and welcomed international support only if it respects the country’s sovereignty.
“We will continue to collaborate with global partners in the fight against terrorism, but such partnerships must recognise Nigeria’s independence and territorial integrity,” he said.
Nigeria has battled extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) for over a decade, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced. While Christian communities in the Middle Belt have suffered targeted attacks, experts note that many victims of the insurgency are Muslims in the northeast highlighting the complex mix of religious, ethnic, and economic tensions fueling the violence.
Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over how the U.S. defines “religious persecution” in Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people almost evenly divided between Christians and Muslims. In 2023, the U.S. State Department removed Nigeria from its list of countries of particular concern over religious freedom, a decision Trump has now reversed.
Diplomats warn that open threats of military intervention could heighten tensions between Washington and Abuja at a time when both countries cooperate closely on intelligence sharing and counterterrorism. Regional observers fear that Trump’s hardline rhetoric could embolden militant propaganda or complicate delicate peace efforts in Nigeria’s north.
Despite the sharp tone, some Nigerian officials said they interpret Trump’s statement as pressure for faster reforms rather than an immediate military threat. The U.S. remains a key source of training, equipment, and humanitarian support for Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.