Trump threatens 'guns-a-blazing' military action in Nigeria

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
Today 02:03
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Trump has threatened military intervention in Nigeria over alleged violence against Christians, accusing the Nigerian government of religious freedom violations, which it has denied.

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President Donald Trump speaks to the media after boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (AP)

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has ordered the Department of War to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria. The move comes amid Trump’s repeated accusations that the Nigerian government is failing to protect Christians from violence, which Nigerian officials have consistently denied.

In a social media statement, Trump criticized the “mass slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria, stating that the United States would “immediately stop all aid and assistance” to the country. He also warned the Nigerian government to “move fast.”

“The US may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote.

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action,” he continued. “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!”

Hegseth confirms action underway

Similarly, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a stark threat to Nigeria, declaring that the Pentagon “is preparing to take action” over alleged attacks on Christians.

In a provocative statement, Hegseth said that “The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must stop immediately... The Department of War is preparing to take action.” He went further, warning, “Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists committing these horrible atrocities.”

US Secretary of War #PeteHegseth has issued a stark threat to Nigeria, declaring that the #Pentagon “is preparing to take action” over alleged attacks on Christians.

In a provocative statement, Hegseth said that “The killing of innocent Christians in #Nigeria must stop… pic.twitter.com/ZoTEYdwb9z
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 2, 2025

Nigerian government denies allegations

Trump’s remarks followed a decision on Friday to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing what he called an “existential threat” to Christianity in the country. This label suggests that the administration believes Nigeria has engaged in or tolerated “systematic, ongoing, (and) egregious violations of religious freedom.”

In response to the designation and criticism, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated, “The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.”

Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is “working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.”

Religious leaders reject extremist claims

While Islamist insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have conducted attacks in parts of northern Nigeria, analysts and clerics stress that these movements do not represent Islam or the broader Muslim population.

The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent Nigerian scholars have condemned their actions as un-Islamic, stressing that the violence stems largely from poverty, political corruption, and local grievances rather than religion itself.

The Nigerian government has consistently portrayed the insurgency as a national security challenge rather than a religious conflict, citing efforts to combat terrorism and promote interfaith harmony. "President Bola Tinubu remains firmly committed to protecting the lives and rights of all Nigerian citizens," Ebienfa said.