Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday he has instructed the Defense Department to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria, accusing the West African nation of failing to protect its Christian population — a charge the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied.
In a post on social media, Trump condemned what he called the “mass slaughter” of Christians, declaring that the U.S. would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria” and warning its government to “move fast.”
“We may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote.
The U.S. president’s remarks drew swift attention from international observers and Nigerian officials, who have long argued that the violence in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted, driven by a mix of religious, ethnic, and resource-based conflicts. While Christians have been among the victims of extremist attacks, local reports indicate that most casualties are Muslims living in the country’s predominantly Muslim north.
Trump also said he had ordered what he called the “Department of War” — a reference to the Pentagon — to prepare for action.
“If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” Trump said.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded affirmatively on social media, writing: “Yes sir. The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action.”
The comments come a day after Trump’s administration designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing alleged “systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom.”
Trump’s remarks have not yet been followed by an official statement from the Pentagon or the U.S. State Department, and Nigeria’s government has not issued an immediate response.
