US President orders Department of War to “prepare for possible action” as Nigeria added to religious persecution watchlist
Lagos, Nov. 1, 2025 – Tensions between the United States and Nigeria escalated on Saturday as US President Donald Trump threatened military action against the West African nation over alleged anti-Christian violence.
In a social media statement, Trump warned that the United States would immediately cut off all assistance to Nigeria “if the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians.” He added that he had instructed the recently renamed Department of War to “prepare for possible action.”
“We may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”
The statement comes a day after Trump announced that Nigeria would be included on the Department of State’s ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ list, a designation that monitors nations accused of religious persecution.
Background: Security Challenges in Nigeria
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges for over a decade, from Boko Haram in the Northeast to banditry and communal clashes in the North-West, as well as herder-farmer conflicts in the Middle Belt.
While some US lawmakers and right-wing figures have recently described these attacks as part of a “Christian genocide,” experts caution that such claims oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
Human rights groups point to a broader context of violence affecting communities across religious lines, and stress that labeling the attacks as targeting only Christians misrepresents the realities on the ground.
Nigeria’s Official Response
Earlier on Saturday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu released a statement emphasizing his administration’s commitment to addressing security threats for citizens of all faiths.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
“Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it. Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths. Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.”
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated the country’s commitment to inclusivity:
“The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion. Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength.”
As of the publication of this report, Nigeria has not issued a direct response to Trump’s threat of potential military action.
Regional and Global Implications
Trump’s statement could have far-reaching diplomatic implications. Analysts say such rhetoric risks straining US-Nigeria relations at a time when both countries are negotiating security cooperation and economic partnerships in areas such as counter-terrorism, trade, and technology.
For Nigeria, being placed on the US religious persecution watchlist complicates its international image. While it underscores ongoing concerns about security and religious violence, Nigerian authorities emphasize that attacks target civilians across faiths and regions, not solely Christians.
Experts also note that US threats of military intervention are rare and carry significant geopolitical weight. Any unilateral action could inflame regional instability, particularly in West Africa, where multiple countries face security challenges linked to armed extremist groups.
Public Reactions
Social media reactions in Nigeria ranged from outrage to calls for calm. Many Nigerians criticized Trump for his blunt rhetoric and for conflating complex domestic security issues with religious persecution. Others voiced concern about potential economic repercussions if US aid is halted.
Civil society organizations have urged both the US and Nigerian governments to focus on collaborative, evidence-based approaches to security and human rights protection, rather than alarmist declarations that could heighten tensions.
Conclusion
Trump’s aggressive posturing marks one of the most forceful interventions yet on Nigeria by a US president over domestic security issues. As Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to protecting citizens of all faiths, the world will be watching how this diplomatic standoff evolves—and whether measured dialogue can prevent escalation.
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Reporting by Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
