Alleged genocide: Trump insists US may take military action in Nigeria despite denials from Abuja
United States President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his stance that Washington will not remain passive while “Christians are being killed” in Nigeria, warning that the U.S. may take military action if the violence continues.
In a statement released by the White House and posted on the president’s Truth Social platform, Trump announced that Nigeria had been redesignated a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)”, citing what he described as “large-scale killings of Christians” by extremist groups.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump said. “I am hereby making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, that is a legal definition.”
He warned that Washington could cut foreign aid or even launch a military intervention if the situation did not improve.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and other countries. We are able and willing to defend Christians. The killing of Christians will not continue,” he added.
Trump also urged U.S. lawmakers to act swiftly, directing Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the reported killings and present recommendations without delay.
“Something has to be done, I mean immediately,” he said.
The president claimed the violence amounted to “Christian genocide” and suggested that U.S. intervention could include military operations aimed at protecting religious minorities in northern Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has strongly denied allegations of Christian persecution, calling the claims a misrepresentation of the country’s complex security challenges.
President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria remains a democratic nation governed by the rule of law and constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said in a statement issued from the State House.
He noted that since taking office in 2023, his administration has maintained active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders while tackling widespread insecurity that affects citizens “across all faiths and regions.”
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu added. “Our government continues to promote peaceful coexistence and safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians.”
The U.S. president’s comments have drawn strong reactions from international partners, with both China and the European Union (EU) expressing support for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
At a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China “firmly opposes any country using religion or human rights as an excuse to interfere in another nation’s internal affairs or threaten it with sanctions or force.”
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China stands by Nigeria as it leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions,” Mao said.
Similarly, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.
Speaking with newsmen in Lagos, Mignot stressed that the EU’s relationship with Nigeria is guided by “long-standing partnership and shared values,” not external political pressure.
