Diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United States have escalated sharply after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened possible military action over alleged Christian genocide in Africa’s most populous nation.
Trump, in a fiery post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, claimed that the U.S. Department of Defense had been placed on alert to prepare for potential intervention if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration failed to stop the alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and 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. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” he added.
The post has gone viral, sparking panic, outrage, and mixed reactions among Nigerians and international observers.
US Defense Secretary Confirms Readiness for Action
U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth has confirmed that the Department of War is preparing for possible action in response to Trump’s directive.
“The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately,” Hegseth said. “Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
As of Sunday morning, the Nigerian government and President Bola Tinubu have not officially responded to the renewed threats from Washington.
Nigeria Rejects Trump’s ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Designation
Trump’s remarks came barely 24 hours after he designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.
President Tinubu swiftly rejected the designation, saying Nigeria “stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also dismissed Trump’s claims, stating that his comments “do not reflect the situation on the ground.”
Calls for Diplomacy- Ndume
The U.S.–Nigeria diplomatic standoff has triggered strong reactions from political leaders, clerics, and citizens across the country.
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume urged the Federal Government to engage skilled diplomats to ease the rising tensions.
“Nigeria must take diplomatic steps to prevent this crisis from escalating,” Ndume advised.
It’s about 2027- Gumi
Controversial Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi described Trump’s genocide claim as politically motivated, alleging that “all the bluff is about the 2027 general elections.”
They’ve landed Nigeria in mess- Ahmad
Meanwhile, former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad criticized those who advocated for Nigeria’s CPC designation, saying they had “landed the country in a mess.”
“Those who campaigned for this have finally landed us in trouble,” he posted on X.
Rising Diplomatic Uncertainty
Analysts warn that Trump’s threats and the CPC designation could strain Nigeria–U.S. relations, affecting aid, defense cooperation, and international perception.
As global attention turns to Abuja and Washington, diplomats are calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent a full-blown diplomatic crisis.
