US President Donald Trump has threatened to send US forces into Nigeria with "guns-a-blazing" if the Nigerian government doesn't stem the alleged killing of Christians by Islamists. Trump posted on Truth Social that he'll instruct the Department of War to prepare for possible action, warning Nigeria's government to "move fast".
*The Allegations*
Trump claims thousands of Christians are being killed in Nigeria, attributing the violence to radical Islamists. He designated Nigeria a "country of particular concern" due to alleged religious freedom violations, joining countries like China, Myanmar, and North Korea on the list ¹ ² ³.
*Nigeria's Response*
President Bola Tinubu dismissed Trump's characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant, stating the country protects citizens of all faiths. Nigerian officials insist violence affects both Christians and Muslims, rejecting claims of religious genocide ⁴ ⁵.
*Background*
Nigeria's conflicts have killed people of various faiths, with experts saying the unrest can't be reduced to religion alone. Groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militant herders frequently attack Christian communities, with Open Doors reporting nearly 70% of Christians killed globally for their faith last year were in Nigeria ⁶ ⁷.
