ABUJA, Nigeria — Tensions are rising between the U.S. and Nigeria. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action against Nigeria. This comes as he claims that Nigeria’s government is not doing enough to protect Christians from violence.
Trump posted on social media, threatening to cut all assistance to Nigeria if the government fails to act. He described potential military action as “fast and vicious,” aimed at confronting what he considers Islamic terrorists responsible for the violence against Christians.
In response, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pushed back against Trump’s comments. He emphasized that Nigeria respects religious freedom and that the country protects citizens of all faiths. Tinubu stated, “Religious freedom and tolerance are a core part of our identity.”
Nigeria has a population of about 220 million, roughly split between Christians and Muslims. The country has long experienced various forms of violence, including attacks from extremist groups like Boko Haram, which has targeted both Christians and Muslims. While Christians are often highlighted, experts say that many victims of such attacks are actually Muslims.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, reassured the public that the government is committed to protecting all citizens regardless of their background. He stated, “Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that strengthens us.”
In 2020, the U.S. designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom violations. However, this designation was lifted in 2023, as part of efforts to improve relations between the two nations.
The roots of the violence in Nigeria are complex, involving not only religious tensions but also struggles over resources and ethnic rivalries. Recent statistics show that while both Christians and Muslims face threats, the majority of violence in northern Nigeria, which has a Muslim majority, affects Muslims.
Trump’s comments reflect a growing concern among some U.S. lawmakers. For example, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has urged Congress to take stronger action regarding Nigeria’s treatment of religious minorities.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely. How will Nigeria respond to these threats, and how will U.S.-Nigeria relations evolve in light of these developments?
For more on the situation, you can check the U.S. State Department’s report on religious freedom here.
