Trump Threatens Nigeria with Military Action Over Religious Freedom concerns
WASHINGTON – Former President donald Trump threatened Nigeria with potential military action if the country does not halt attacks on Christians, according to a post on his social media platform Saturday.
“any attack on Christians in Nigeria will be met with a swift and severe response,” Trump wrote.”We will not stand idly by while Christians are slaughtered.”
Trump’s post followed his administration’s decision to re-designate Nigeria as a ”country of particular concern” due to alleged violations of religious freedom, as reported by CNN Brasil.Othre nations on the list include China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu responded to the allegations of religious intolerance, defending his country’s efforts to protect religious freedom. “The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into account the government’s consistent and sincere efforts to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians,” Tinubu stated, citing “constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all religions.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on November 1, 2025, Tinubu affirmed, “Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.” He added that his administration has maintained engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders and continues to address security challenges.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement pledging continued efforts to combat extremism and expressing hope for continued close ties with the United States, stating it woudl “continue to defend all citizens regardless of race, creed or religion.” The ministry emphasized that, “Like America, nigeria has no option but to celebrate diversity, which is our greatest strength.”
The US military presence in West Africa has diminished following the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 troops from Niger last year. The largest US military base in Africa is currently located in Djibouti, East Africa, housing over 5,000 troops and supporting regional operations.
