Alleged Christian Genocide: Trump Orders U.S. Military to Prepare for Action in Nigeria

By Chinedu Echianu

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the American military to prepare for possible intervention in Nigeria, citing alleged attacks on Christians and accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians in the country.

In a post on his Truth Social account on Saturday, Trump said he had instructed the “Department of War” to ready for “possible action,” warning that he might send troops to Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” unless the Nigerian government acts decisively.

“If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” Trump wrote, adding that all U.S. aid to what he described as “the now disgraced country” would be suspended.

Responding to the post, U.S. Secretary of State for War, Pete Hegseth, confirmed that preparations were underway, stating: “Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

Trump’s remarks come days after he declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” — a U.S. State Department designation reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom.

Trump claimed that “thousands” of Christians had been killed in Nigeria, though he provided no evidence to support the claim.

Reacting to Trump’s comments, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu said in a statement. “Our government remains committed to working with the U.S. and other international partners to safeguard communities of all faiths.”

Tinubu’s aide, Daniel Bwala, noted that both leaders share an interest in combating terrorism in all forms, adding that any differences in perspective would be discussed when Trump meets the Nigerian president in the coming days.

Meanwhile, independent conflict monitors and analysts have dismissed claims of a targeted genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), most victims of jihadist attacks in northern Nigeria — where groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province operate — have been Muslims.

In central Nigeria, violent clashes between predominantly Muslim herders and largely Christian farming communities have persisted for years, often over land and water resources. However, rights groups say atrocities have occurred on both sides, with no evidence that Christians are being systematically targeted.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has grappled with insurgency and communal violence for over a decade. While extremist attacks continue to plague parts of the country, successive governments have maintained that the conflict is driven more by economic, environmental, and security factors than by religion.

Trump’s latest remarks have stirred widespread debate, with some observers warning that such rhetoric could further inflame tensions or strain U.S.-Nigeria relations.