President Donald J. Trump has stated that the United States may consider military intervention in Nigeria to address what he described as the “killing of Christians in very large numbers.” Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, the President said that U.S. military action “could be” in the form of ground troops or air strikes.
The remarks came amid growing concern in Washington over reports of religiously motivated violence in parts of northern Nigeria. President Trump emphasized that the U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation and will not rule out direct action if the Nigerian government fails to curb the violence.
“They’re killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria,” Trump said. “We’re not going to stand by and watch. It could be ground troops, it could be air strikes. I envisage a lot of things.”
The Nigerian government has acknowledged the President’s comments but has urged caution. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that while Nigeria welcomes international support in the fight against terrorism, any military action must be coordinated with the Nigerian authorities.
“Unilateral action would be considered inappropriate and could undermine ongoing regional efforts,” the spokesperson said. “Nigeria remains committed to protecting all its citizens and upholding its sovereignty.”
The President’s comments have sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria. Some Christian groups have welcomed the show of concern, viewing it as a sign of international solidarity. However, others have warned that foreign military intervention could escalate tensions and destabilize the region further.
Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi criticized the remarks, calling them “provocative and dangerous.” He urged the Nigerian government to reject any foreign military presence and instead strengthen internal security mechanisms.
The Trump administration has previously designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom. Sunday’s comments appear to signal a shift toward a more assertive policy stance. Analysts suggest that any U.S. military involvement would require careful diplomatic coordination and could have far-reaching implications for U.S.-Africa relations.
The U.S. Department of Defense has not confirmed any operational plans related to Nigeria. However, officials have indicated that contingency options are being reviewed in light of the President’s directive.
As tensions rise, both governments are expected to engage in high-level consultations in the coming days. The Nigerian National Security Council is scheduled to meet this week to assess the situation and formulate a response.