Trump has just said that the US may enter Nigeria and to get his department of War to prepare for that action

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he has directed the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria, citing concerns about reported violence against Christians in the country.

Trump also stated that the United States would halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria if the Nigerian government does not address the situation.

In a social media post, Trump said he had instructed the Department of Defense to prepare for “possible action,” adding that military intervention would be considered if the violence continues.

The announcement followed comments from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who rejected Trump’s characterization of Nigeria as a nation that tolerates the persecution of Christians. In a statement posted Saturday, Tinubu said that the portrayal “does not reflect the national reality,” and emphasized that religious freedom is protected under Nigeria’s constitution.

“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core part of our national identity,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”

Trump’s remarks came one day after he declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” alleging insufficient action to protect Christians. The announcement coincided with recent calls from U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, to formally classify Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has a population of more than 220 million people, split nearly evenly between Christians and Muslims. The country continues to face security challenges from groups such as Boko Haram and other extremist organizations responsible for attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities.