Global debate has erupted after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that he may send American troops into Nigeria if the government does not stop what he describes as the killing of Christians in the country.
In a strongly worded message posted on his Truth Social page on Saturday, Trump said he has directed the Pentagon to prepare for what he called a potential “guns-a-blazing” mission. He accused the Nigerian authorities of failing to stop Islamist extremists from attacking Christian communities.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists responsible,” Trump wrote.
He further claimed that he has ordered the “Department of War” to begin drafting an operational plan, stating that if it gets approved, it would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
Trump ended the statement with a warning: “THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”
This latest post follows an earlier message where he said Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat,” alleging that thousands of Christians have been killed. He did not provide evidence to verify those numbers.
His comments have led to mixed responses worldwide. Supporters applauded him for what they see as courage to call out persecution, while critics condemned his remarks as dangerous and irresponsible.
Security and conflict experts argue that the situation in Nigeria is far more complex than a simple religious war. Reports from conflict-monitoring organizations show that Nigeria’s violence involves bandit attacks, political disputes, land clashes, and conflicts between herders and farmers, affecting both Muslims and Christians.
Nigeria remains split almost evenly between a Muslim-majority north and a Christian-majority south, and a blend of religion, politics, and ethnicity often fuels tension.
While Trump describes the situation as targeted persecution of Christians, analysts stress that civilians from all sides have suffered.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to Trump’s threat.
