U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his directive to the Pentagon to start preparing for potential military intervention in Nigeria, expressing concerns over the treatment of Christians in the West African nation. Trump emphasized that if the Nigerian government does not address the violence against Christians, the U.S. will halt all aid and support, possibly resorting to military action to eradicate the Islamic terrorists responsible.
This statement from Trump follows Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s response to Trump’s previous declaration of designating Nigeria as a country of particular concern due to alleged religious persecution. Tinubu defended Nigeria’s stance on religious freedom, stating that the country upholds tolerance and protection for citizens of all faiths as enshrined in its constitution.
Trump’s remarks highlighting the threat faced by Christianity in Nigeria came after U.S. Senator Ted Cruz urged Congress to label Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom, citing instances of violence against Christians in the country. Nigeria, with a population evenly split between Christians and Muslims, grapples with security challenges from various sources, including the activities of groups like Boko Haram, which perpetrate violence under the guise of Islamic extremism.
While acknowledging the attacks on Christians, it is noted that the majority of victims of such violence in Nigeria are Muslims in the northern region. The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion or background.
In 2020, the U.S. designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern for religious freedom violations, a move that was later lifted in 2023 to foster improved relations between the two nations.
