WASHINGTON/ABUJA — U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday warned that he has instructed the Defense Department to prepare for rapid military action in Nigeria if the country does not curb attacks on Christians. He also said the U.S. will immediately suspend all aid to Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest oil producer.
Trump described Nigeria as a “disgraced country” and said any U.S. intervention would target Islamic extremists “guns-a-blazing” to stop what he called atrocities against Christians. The president did not provide specific evidence to support his claims.
The Nigerian government has not responded to the threat, while the White House offered no details on potential timing for any U.S. operation. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported Trump’s position on social media, stating that the military is preparing for action unless Nigeria protects its Christian population.
Trump’s announcement came a day after he reinstated Nigeria on the U.S. “Countries of Particular Concern” list, reserved for nations accused of violating religious freedoms. Other countries on the list include China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan.
Earlier on Saturday, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected claims of religious intolerance, stressing that his government protects freedom of belief for all citizens. The Foreign Ministry said Nigeria remains committed to fighting violent extremism and hopes to maintain a close relationship with Washington.
Nigeria has faced long-standing violence from Islamist extremist groups such as Boko Haram, particularly in the northeast, where tens of thousands have died over the last 15 years. Most victims, human rights experts note, have been Muslim.
Trump’s move has drawn support from U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Tom Cole, who cited “alarming and ongoing persecution of Christians” in Nigeria. The re-designation of Nigeria as a country of concern allows for policy measures including sanctions, though these are not automatic.
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