In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced that the U.S. would also immediately halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous nation and largest oil producer. He claimed that if American troops were deployed, they would go in “guns blazing” to eliminate what he called “Islamic terrorists,” without offering evidence or details about the alleged persecution of Christians.
Trump described Nigeria as a “disgraced country” and warned that its government must act swiftly. He wrote that any potential strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet,” comparing it to how terrorists attack “cherished Christians.”
There was no immediate response from Nigeria’s government in Abuja to Trump’s threat, and the White House also did not comment on the timing or likelihood of any U.S. action.
While the Pentagon referred all questions to the White House, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X that “the Department of War is preparing for action,” warning that unless Nigeria protects its Christian population, the U.S. military would target those responsible for the killings.
Trump’s remarks came a day after his administration placed Nigeria back on the U.S. “Countries of Particular Concern” list, which includes nations accused of violating religious freedoms. Other countries on the list include China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan.
Earlier on Saturday, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected allegations of religious intolerance. He said the claims did not reflect Nigeria’s “national reality” and that the government was committed to protecting freedom of belief for all citizens under its constitution.
In a separate statement, Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry pledged to continue fighting extremism and expressed hope that relations with Washington would remain strong. It stated that Nigeria would “defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion,” and that diversity remained the country’s greatest strength.
The U.S. military presence in West Africa has declined since around 1,000 troops withdrew from Niger last year. Although small American units still participate in regional exercises, the U.S. maintains its largest African base in Djibouti, which hosts more than 5,000 troops and supports operations across the region.
