Table of Contents
- Diplomatic Row Between Nigeria and the United States
- Trump's Threat of Military Action
- US Defense Secretary's Response
- Nigerian Government's Response
- Reactions from Nigerian Officials
The diplomatic disagreement between Nigeria and the United States has intensified after President Donald Trump threatened military action on Saturday if the alleged genocide of Christians in Africa’s most populous nation is not addressed.
In a statement on his official Truth Social platform, President Trump indicated that preparations for military intervention were underway.
Trump further warned that all US-backed aid to Nigeria would be halted if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration failed to stop the alleged widespread killings of Christians.
“If the Nigerian government continues to permit the murder of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately cease all aid and support to Nigeria and may very well intervene in that now disreputable country, ‘guns-a-blazing’, to eliminate the Islamic terrorists responsible for these heinous acts,” he stated.
“I am instructing our Department of War to prepare for potential action. If we strike, it will be swift, fierce, and decisive, just like the attacks by the terrorist thugs on our beloved Christians,” he wrote in his now widely circulated statement on Truth Social.
We’re preparing for action; we will eliminate Islamic terrorists in Nigeria – Peter Hegseth
In response to Trump’s statement, US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth confirmed that the Department of War is indeed preparing for action.
He stated that the US will eradicate “the Islamic terrorists who are committing these atrocious acts in Nigeria.”
He added, “The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must cease immediately. The Department of War is gearing up for action. Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will take out the Islamic terrorists responsible for these horrific atrocities.”
The Nigerian government has yet to respond to President Trump’s latest threats.
It is worth noting that President Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to the alleged genocide of Christians on Friday.
The US government's decision was promptly rejected by both the Nigerian government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in separate statements.
President Tinubu asserted that Nigeria “stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.”
Earlier, the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on Saturday that the president's claims do not “reflect the actual situation on the ground.”
The escalating diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the US has sparked numerous reactions among Nigerians in the past 24 hours.
Ndume urges Nigerian government to engage the US
A former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to enlist the help of experienced diplomats to engage with the United States government and avert further escalation of the current diplomatic tensions.
It’s about the 2027 election – Gumi
Controversial Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi suggested that the claims of Christian genocide in the country are primarily aimed at influencing the upcoming 2027 general election.
They’ve finally landed us in a mess – Ahmed
Former presidential media aide, Bashir Ahmad, remarked that those who advocated for Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern have ultimately created a predicament for the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the diplomatic row between Nigeria and the USA?
The diplomatic row was triggered when President Donald Trump threatened military action against Nigeria over the alleged genocide of Christians.
How did the Nigerian government respond to Trump's statements?
The Nigerian government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rejected Trump's designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, asserting that it does not reflect the reality on the ground.
