Washington D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Nigeria, citing what he described as a “massacre of Christians.” His statement follows reports of numerous civilian deaths in attacks attributed to armed groups in the country’s northern regions.
Trump, in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, stated, “If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the United States will immediately halt all aid to Nigeria. We may move into that country with our full force to obliterate the terrorists perpetrating these atrocities.” He added, “I am directing the Department of War to prepare for potential military action.”
The former president’s remarks have drawn a swift response from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubu, speaking on Saturday, asserted that characterizing Nigeria as a religiously intolerant nation does not reflect the national reality. He emphasized that “religious freedom and tolerance have always been fundamental tenets of Nigeria’s identity,” adding that the country “constitutionally guarantees the protection of citizens of all faiths.”
Nigeria has faced ongoing security challenges in various regions for several years. The northeast has been particularly affected by insurgency, while frequent clashes between herders and farmers in the central region add a religious dimension to what are often disputes rooted in economic and social factors.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
