Trump says there 'could be' US Troops on ground in Nigeria
U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the American military to be ready for potential operations in Nigeria against Islamist militant groups, accusing Nigeria’s government of failing to protect Christians.
Trump did not specify which incidents he had in mind. In recent weeks and months, claims of a “genocide” targeting Christians in Nigeria have circulated within certain right-wing circles in the United States. However, organizations that track violence in the region say there is no indication that Christians are being killed at higher rates than Muslims in a country that is almost evenly split between the two religions.
A senior adviser to Nigeria’s president told the BBC that any military action against jihadist groups should be undertaken jointly.
Daniel Bwala said Nigeria would welcome assistance from the U.S. in confronting Islamist insurgents, but stressed that Nigeria is a “sovereign” state. He also emphasized that the militants do not exclusively target people from one religion, saying they have killed individuals of all faith backgrounds — and those with no religious affiliation.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has maintained that the country practices religious tolerance and said security issues are harming people “across faiths and regions.”
On Saturday, Trump posted on social media that he had ordered the U.S. Department of War to prepare for “possible action.”
He warned that he might deploy troops to Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian government does not act, adding that the U.S. would cut all aid to “the now disgraced country.”
Trump continued: “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to Trump’s post, writing: “Yes sir.
The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
Trump’s remarks have caused widespread concern in Nigeria. Many social media users are calling on the government to intensify its response to Islamist groups to prevent any scenario in which foreign forces enter the country.
However, Bwala — who identified himself as a Christian pastor — told BBC’s Newshour that Trump has a “unique way of communicating,” and that Nigeria is not interpreting his comments literally.
“We know the heart and intent of Trump is to help us fight insecurity,” he said, expressing hope that Trump and Tinubu would meet in the coming days to discuss the matter.