Nigeria faces renewed tension after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare for possible military intervention. His comments linked the move to alleged Christian persecution in the country, drawing both support and outrage. Trump warned on social media that the U.S. might halt all aid and launch attacks to “wipe out Islamic terrorists” if Nigeria failed to protect Christians. He said any U.S. action would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the idea of foreign intervention but offered to meet Trump for talks on counterterrorism and security cooperation. He stressed that any partnership must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and reflect its true religious diversity.
Abuja Pushes Back Amid Complex Realities
Tinubu’s spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, described Trump’s remarks as a possible “negotiating tactic.” He noted that Nigeria and the U.S. already share intelligence and cooperate on counterinsurgency efforts. Despite ongoing collaboration, insecurity remains severe. Amnesty International reported over 10,000 deaths from jihadist violence since Tinubu took office.
Nigeria’s population of about 220 million divides almost evenly between Christians and Muslims, both suffering from extremist attacks. Groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militants have terrorized communities for years. While Washington frames the crisis as “Christian genocide,” many Nigerians insist the situation is more complicated. Analysts say most victims in northern Nigeria are actually Muslims targeted by militants.
Still, Christian leaders argue that persecution remains deliberate. Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo claims the government is downplaying what he calls a massacre. Advocacy groups, including Open Doors and International Christian Concern, report over 7,000 Christian deaths in 2025 alone.
Fears Over Hidden Motives Behind U.S. Interest
Trump’s statement followed U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s push to label Nigeria a violator of religious freedom. The idea of foreign intervention has divided Nigerians. Broadcaster Cyril Abaku supports external help, saying, “Terrorism is global now, and we should welcome allies who want to help protect our people.”
However, others question America’s true intentions. Analysts warn that Trump’s focus may extend beyond humanitarian concerns to Nigeria’s valuable rare earth minerals. The country’s northeast holds rich deposits of lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and neodymium—key materials for defense, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore argued that Nigeria needs reform, not foreign rescue. “We need accountable leadership that protects all citizens and ends corruption and violence,” he said. The U.S. once labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom violations in 2020, but that classification did not explicitly mention attacks against Christians.
