WASHINGTON: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his warning to Nigeria, saying America could take actions that the country will not be happy about if the killing of Christians continues.
Trump made the remarks in a video he posted on Truth Social, which he later shared on other platforms on Wednesday.
He accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christian communities, vowing that the U.S. would respond if the violence persisted.
If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, Trump said.
We’re going to do things to Nigeria that Nigeria’s not going to be happy about and may very well go into that now-disgraced country guns blazing to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists committing these horrible atrocities.
He also instructed what he called the Department of War to prepare for possible action, promising that any U.S. response would be fast, vicious, and sweet.
These are cherished people great people. Leave them alone. The Nigerian government better move fast before it’s too late. If they don’t, there’s going to be hell to pay, he added.
The Nigerian government has dismissed allegations that Christians are being deliberately targeted, describing the killings as part of broader terrorist attacks affecting people of various faiths and ethnicities across the country.
Daniel Bwala, a special adviser to President Bola Tinubu, told Newsweek that Nigeria would welcome U.S. support against terrorism, provided that such cooperation respects the country’s sovereignty.
Nigeria welcomes American support in fighting terrorism, but any action must align with our sovereignty and internal security framework, Bwala said.
Trump’s latest comments come after his administration announced plans to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues, a classification that enables Washington to impose diplomatic or economic measures, including aid restrictions.
The move has sparked mixed reactions both in Nigeria and internationally. While some Christian groups praised Trump’s stance as a call for justice, others warned that his rhetoric could strain diplomatic relations and destabilize regional cooperation in West Africa.
Nigeria remains one of the United States’ most important strategic partners on the continent, particularly in counterterrorism, trade, and energy security.
Analysts warn that Trump’s repeated threats could escalate tensions and complicate foreign policy if translated into action, especially given Nigeria’s central role in regional stability.
Observers also note that the U.S. designation of Nigeria for religious persecution concerns could open the door to military or economic interventions, a development that would have far-reaching humanitarian and political effects.
