President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Nigeria, saying he has directed the U.S. Department of Defense to “prepare for possible action” following reports of widespread attacks on Christians.
In a post shared on his official social media platform on Saturday, Trump declared: “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.”
He added, “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!”
The remarks prompted an immediate response from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who replied, “Yes sir,” on X. He later posted, “The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
Trump’s statements came shortly after he categorized Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” a classification reserved for nations accused of “particularly severe violations of religious freedom.” The designation places Nigeria alongside countries such as China, Cuba, and North Korea.
In response, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its stance against religious extremism, saying the nation “remained committed to tackling violent extremism.”
“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order,” the statement said.
Trump’s post has drawn mixed reactions online, with some Americans, Africans, and Nigerians supporting his strong tone, while others accused him of targeting the country for its oil interests.
This move also reignites a diplomatic tension first seen during Trump’s first term, when he placed Nigeria on the same religious freedom watch list — a decision that was later reversed by President Joe Biden’s administration in 2021, citing lack of sufficient evidence.
As the situation develops, global observers are watching closely, concerned that Trump’s warning could escalate tensions between Washington and Abuja, and potentially impact trade, security cooperation, and U.S. foreign aid in West Africa.
