The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with what he describes as the Nigerian government’s “lack of seriousness” in addressing widespread insecurity, particularly the alleged killings of Christians across several parts of the country.
This revelation was made by Nigerian journalist and publisher, Dele Momodu, who stated that the American President has grown increasingly frustrated with the spate of violent attacks and what he perceives as the Nigerian government’s weak response to recurring incidents of terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes.
According to Momodu, President Trump has reiterated a warning of possible U.S. military action in Nigeria, saying the United States would “not stand idly by” while “Christian communities are being slaughtered.” The threat follows Trump’s earlier statements in which he vowed to use “all available means” to protect what he termed “persecuted Christian populations in Africa.”
“President Trump has come to the conclusion that the Nigerian authorities are not taking the issue of insecurity seriously,” Momodu said. “He is prepared to take decisive steps, including possible military operations, to address the ongoing killings.”
Reports from international media, including the Associated Press (AP) and Politico, indicate that Trump has directed the Pentagon to begin preliminary planning for possible military intervention in Nigeria, although details of such an operation remain unclear.
In response, the Nigerian government has rejected the U.S. President’s claims and threats, describing them as “unnecessary, misleading, and potentially damaging to diplomatic relations.”
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted that the Nigerian government remains “fully committed to protecting all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, or region.”
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation. We reject any suggestion that external military action is required within our borders,” the statement read. “The government continues to make significant progress in addressing insecurity through joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and community engagement.”
The U.S. administration’s renewed focus on Nigeria’s internal security follows a recent State Department report which listed Nigeria among “Countries of Particular Concern” over alleged religious freedom violations. The report cited repeated attacks on churches and Christian communities in parts of the Middle Belt and North-West regions.
However, analysts and human rights groups have cautioned against portraying the violence as purely religious, noting that insecurity in Nigeria involves multiple overlapping crises — including farmer-herder conflicts, terrorism by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, and widespread banditry that affects both Muslim and Christian populations.
Security expert Dr. Onyekachi Okoro warned that any foreign military intervention could further complicate Nigeria’s fragile security landscape.
“The United States should be careful not to frame this issue solely in religious terms,” he said. “The reality is that many communities — both Christian and Muslim — have suffered from violent attacks. What Nigeria needs is strategic partnership and support, not unilateral military action.”
Diplomatic observers believe the recent tension could strain Nigeria–U.S. relations, which have historically been anchored on trade, security cooperation, and democratic development.
Momodu’s remarks have also sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria. While some citizens view Trump’s warning as an opportunity to compel government action on insecurity, others have criticised the U.S. President’s tone as an intrusion into Nigeria’s internal affairs.
For now, Washington has not disclosed specific timelines or strategies for any potential military operation. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja has declined to comment beyond reaffirming America’s “commitment to religious freedom and human rights around the world.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has pledged to continue its counter-terrorism efforts and urged citizens to remain calm, assuring that the situation is under control.
Background:
Insecurity in Nigeria has escalated over the past decade, with thousands of civilians killed or displaced due to insurgency, kidnapping, and communal clashes. Successive administrations have launched various security operations, but the problem persists, especially in the North-West and Middle Belt regions.
Observers say the current tension between Washington and Abuja underscores the growing international concern over Nigeria’s internal stability and its implications for regional security in West Africa.
