WASHINGTON | November 2025 —
US President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Defense to prepare plans for possible military action in Nigeria, warning that Washington could intervene if Abuja “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”
In a statement posted on Truth Social. Trump said the United States would immediately suspend all aid and assistance to Nigeria and threatened “fast, vicious. And sweet” retaliation against those he described as terrorists targeting Christians.
“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians! WARNING: The Nigerian government better move fast!”
— Donald Trump on Truth Social
⚡ Nigeria Responds
Hours after Trump’s comments. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement reaffirming the country’s commitment to fighting extremism and defending all citizens regardless of religion.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion. Like America, Nigeria celebrates diversity as our greatest strength,” the ministry said.
It added that Nigeria remains a “God-fearing country that respects faith, tolerance. Diversity and inclusion, in line with the rules-based international order.”
🔔 Background
On Friday, Trump announced that Nigeria had been placed on a “Countries of Particular Concern” list for alleged religious-freedom violations. Alongside China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia and Pakistan.
He argued that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” accusing radicals of committing “mass slaughter,” although no evidence or specific data were provided.
Trump had previously designated Nigeria as a concern during his first term. But the Biden administration removed it from the US State Department list in 2021.
🕊️ Religious and Security Context in Nigeria
Nigeria — home to more than 200 ethnic groups and divided roughly evenly between Christians and Muslims — has a long history of religious and ethnic coexistence, as well as periodic violence.
For over 15 years, extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoot ISWAP have carried out deadly attacks in the country’s northeast. Killing tens of thousands of people — most of them Muslims.
Conflicts over land, resources, and ethnic divisions also frequently fuel local clashes that are sometimes framed in religious terms.
US Political Reaction
Trump’s remarks prompted a quick response in Washington. Representative Tom Cole, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, wrote on X that the designation “sends a strong message: the US will not ignore Christian persecution.”
The Appropriations Committee has been asked by Trump to review the issue and report back to the White House. Earlier this year, a congressional subcommittee held hearings on alleged Christian killings in Nigeria.
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