In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that if necessary, the U.S. would “take action with guns” in Nigeria and eliminate the terrorists targeting Christians. He also said he had directed the Department of War to prepare for potential military operations.
Nigeria Rejects Allegations of Religious Intolerance
Responding to Trump’s statement, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected claims of religious persecution, saying it is “wrong to label Nigeria as religiously intolerant.”
“Our nation’s identity is built on religious freedom and mutual respect,” Tinubu said, adding that the constitution protects all faiths equally.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement emphasizing that the government is committed to safeguarding every citizen, regardless of religion, caste, or ethnicity.
“Just as America considers its diversity a strength, Nigeria too sees unity in its diversity,” the ministry noted.
U.S. Lawmakers Push for Action
The controversy follows U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s recent appeal to Congress to designate Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom. Trump has repeatedly claimed that Christians in Nigeria face an existential crisis, blaming radical Islamist groups for the violence.
Background: Why Christians Are Being Targeted
Nigeria, with a population of around 220 million, is almost evenly divided between Muslims and Christians. For years, extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter factions have carried out brutal attacks in the country.
While much of the violence in northern Nigeria has religious overtones, many incidents are also driven by ethnic, land, and territorial disputes, as well as terrorist activity. Both Muslim and Christian communities have suffered in these conflicts.
In 2020, the United States placed Nigeria on its list of countries violating religious freedom for the first time. The designation was removed in 2023, a move widely seen as an effort to improve bilateral relations between Washington and Abuja.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
