Mixed Reactions Trail Donald Trump’s Threat of U.S. Military Intervention in Nigeria Over Christian Killings
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Reactions have continued to pour in following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military intervention in Nigeria, after designating the country a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.
Trump, in a statement on Friday, accused Nigeria of allowing the “mass slaughter” of Christians and warned that the United States could send forces “guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian government fails to stop what he called Islamist extremist attacks.
The announcement has divided opinions across Nigeria. While some Nigerians, especially Christian groups, welcomed Trump’s warning as a necessary step to end religious violence, others—including government officials, Islamic scholars, and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—dismissed the claims of genocide as false and politically motivated.
Critics accused Trump of using religion to justify interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, describing his actions as an attempt to destabilize the country.
Political observers noted the silence of opposition leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, suggesting they are avoiding controversy ahead of the 2027 elections. Public affairs analyst Moses Jibila told DAILY POST that “they know the truth but won’t speak because of selfish political interests.”
This is not the first time Nigeria has been listed as a Country of Particular Concern. The same designation was made by the Trump administration in 2020 but later reversed by President Joe Biden. Under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, CPC status is given to nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
Other countries currently on the list include China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu is expected to meet with President Trump “in the coming days” to address the situation. According to Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, the meeting will hold “either in the State House or the White House,” with hopes that “the genocide claims will be discussed and resolved.”
