THE United States President, Donald Trump, has issued a stark warning to Nigeria to stop the alleged killing of Christians or face potential U.S. military intervention.
Trump, in a statement posted late Saturday on his Truth Social platform sighted by News Point Nigeria, ordered the U.S. Department of War to begin preparations for what he called “possible action” if attacks on Christians continue.
He also threatened to cut all forms of aid to Nigeria.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing,” Trump wrote.
“If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.”
The comments escalate the diplomatic tension triggered by Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” on Friday over what he claimed to be an existential threat against Christians.
Trump cited figures alleging thousands of Christian deaths, saying, “Something must be done!”
President Tinubu swiftly dismissed the allegations, insisting Nigeria remains a secular nation with constitutional protections for religious freedom.
In a statement on his X handle, the President said: “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed ongoing engagement with U.S. officials to address the concerns diplomatically.
A ranking member of the House of Representatives revealed to this newspaper that a parliamentary delegation will travel to Washington to counter the narrative before Congress.
“The President’s designation does not take legal effect until U.S. lawmakers approve it. Our visit will now be fast-tracked,” he said.
Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga also condemned comments by U.S. figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio accusing Fulani militants of Christian killings.
He insisted attacks were driven by terrorism and criminality, not religion: “Christians, Muslims, churches and mosques are attacked randomly. Muslim lives matter too.”
Foreign affairs expert, Inuwa Wazirchi warns that Trump’s designation carries serious implications, including: possible sanctions, suspension of military cooperation, visa restrictions and economic fallout
Nigeria remains heavily dependent on foreign military support to combat terrorism. U.S. defence deals with Nigeria include:
$500m A-29 Super Tucano aircraft deal (2018)
$997m AH-1Z attack helicopter package (2022)
$346m recent arms approval (Aug. 2025)
Data shows Nigeria spent:
₦777.1bn on arms imports (2020–2024)
₦26.95bn in the first half of 2025