Trump's Bold Move: Military Action Proposed Against Islamist Militants in Nigeria

Mon Nov 03 2025 13:34:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

US President Donald Trump has threatened military intervention in Nigeria to combat Islamist militants, citing the need to protect Christians amidst ongoing violence.

In a recent statement, President Donald Trump ordered the US military to prepare for potential action in Nigeria against Islamist militant groups, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to safeguard its Christian population. This move comes amidst claims of increased violence against Christians, despite evidence suggesting that the violence affects Muslims and Christians alike. Nigerian officials have expressed a willingness to collaborate with the US while emphasizing the country's sovereignty.

US President Donald Trump has ordered the military to prepare for action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups, accusing the government of failing to protect Christians.

Trump did not specify which incidents he was referencing but mentioned that claims of genocide against Nigeria's Christians have circulated recently in certain right-wing circles in the US.

Monitoring groups state there is no evidence showing that Christians are being killed at a higher rate than Muslims in Nigeria, where both religions coexist almost evenly.

Nigeria's president's advisor responded that any military action should be a collaborative effort.

Trump communicated his intentions through social media, threatening that he might deploy the military into Nigeria unless the Nigerian government intervenes. He stated that all aid to Nigeria would be ceased if action is taken.

He noted: If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs' attacks on our CHERISHED Christians!

The response from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced Trump's stance, indicating the Department of War's readiness to act if Christians are not protected.

This rhetoric has sparked concern in Nigeria, prompting calls for government action against militant groups to prevent foreign military intervention.

A Nigerian pastor emphasized that while Trump's communication might seem alarming, the intent to assist is appreciated, and hopes for a meeting between Trump and President Tinubu are on the horizon.

Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern highlights his administration's focus on religious freedom violations, equating the current situation to an existential threat against Christians without substantial evidence.

Although extremist groups have wreaked havoc in northern Nigeria for over a decade, many of their victims are Muslim, according to analyses of political violence.

President Bola Tinubu insists that Nigeria maintains religious tolerance and that recent security challenges impact all citizens, regardless of faith.