Nigeria TV Info 

Trump Warns Nigeria: End Killings or Face Possible U.S. Military Action

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has issued a stern warning to Nigeria, threatening military intervention if the reported attacks and killings of Christians are not stopped.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump said he had instructed the Department of War to prepare for “possible action” should the violence persist. He also threatened to cut off all American aid to Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu’s government failed to act decisively.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to permit the killing of Christians, the United States will immediately suspend all assistance and could move against that now disgraced country ‘guns blazing’ to eradicate the Islamic terrorists behind these atrocities,” Trump declared. “I have directed the Department of War to be ready. If we strike, it will be swift, fierce, and precise—just like how the terrorists attack our cherished Christians.”

As of press time, Nigeria’s Federal Government had not officially responded to Trump’s statement.

Tinubu Rejects U.S. Allegation

Trump’s remarks came just a day after he classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing what he called an “existential threat” to Christians in the nation.

In his Friday post, Trump claimed: “Thousands of Christians are being slaughtered by radical Islamists. I hereby declare Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’ But that’s not enough. When such massacres happen—as in Nigeria (3,100 out of 4,476 global cases)—something must be done!”

Responding via his official X handle on Saturday, President Bola Tinubu dismissed the claim as a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s reality.

“Nigeria is a democratic nation founded on constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. Describing it as intolerant is false and does not reflect our national character,” Tinubu stated.

He reaffirmed that religious liberty and tolerance are integral to Nigeria’s identity and assured that his administration remains committed to protecting citizens of all faiths.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed ongoing discussions with the U.S. government to address the issue.
“We are engaging with U.S. authorities through our embassies in Washington DC, Atlanta, and New York. Talks are also underway with the American Embassy in Abuja,” Ebienfa said.

Meanwhile, sources in the National Assembly revealed that some lawmakers were scheduled to visit Washington to meet with U.S. Congress members before Trump’s announcement. A senior member of the House of Representatives confirmed that the visit would now be fast-tracked.

“The President’s declaration is not binding until approved by U.S. lawmakers. We were already planning a visit, and this development only accelerates our timetable,” the lawmaker noted.

Onanuga Denies Genocide Claims

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, rejected claims of widespread Christian persecution, describing them as “grossly exaggerated.”

Replying to a post by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who alleged that Fulani militias were slaughtering Christians, Onanuga said the security challenges in Nigeria were not driven by religion.

“There is no mass killing of Christians in Nigeria,” he stated. “What we experience are sporadic attacks by terrorists and bandits that affect both Christians and Muslims alike. Churches and mosques have both been targeted.”

He further added, “What Nigeria needs from America is military cooperation to tackle insurgency, not a damaging label as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’”

In another post, he wrote pointedly, “Secretary Rubio, Muslim lives matter too.”

Diplomatic Experts Warn of Fallout

Dr Yemi Farounbi, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, cautioned that Trump’s declaration could harm Nigeria’s international reputation and diplomatic relations.

“This action could paint Nigeria as intolerant of religious freedom and strain our economic and diplomatic ties with the West,” he warned.

Farounbi advised the Nigerian government to present verified data showing its commitment to prosecuting offenders and protecting citizens of all faiths.

“The U.S. is not only concerned about the killings but also about how our government handles justice and fairness,” he said, adding that the decision might also affect security cooperation and access to U.S. weapon systems.

“Nigeria could lose key partnerships, including visas, grants, and intelligence support. As we battle insecurity across West Africa, this could hinder essential collaboration,” he cautioned.

Nigeria’s Defence Partnerships

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Nigeria remains one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest arms importers. Its top military partners include the United States, China, Italy, Turkey, and Russia.

Key defence deals include the $500 million purchase of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the U.S. in 2018 and another $997 million package for 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters approved in 2022.

Religious Leaders React

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid rash conclusions. Speaking in Sokoto, he said it was premature to assess the full consequences of the U.S. action.

“We must study the situation carefully and learn what lessons it offers for our national progress,” he advised.

Similarly, Evangelist Ezekiel Dachomo of the Church of Christ in Nations welcomed the designation, calling it “a long-overdue recognition of Christian suffering in Nigeria.”

“The world is finally hearing the cries of Nigerian Christians who have endured years of unprovoked attacks,” Dachomo said.

He, however, emphasised unity: “We do not hate Muslims. We oppose terrorism and every evil that divides us. Nigeria belongs to all—Christians and Muslims alike.