Killings: Trump Says Nigeria a ‘Disgraced Country,’ Tinubu’s Govt Jittery Over Threat of US Military Intervention
President Donald Trump of the United States of America on Saturday declared that the US may use military force to whip Nigeria into line if the country continues to allow terrorists to unleash violence on Christians in the country.
In a viral statement shared on his Truth Social, President Trump said that Nigeria is a “disgraced country” warning that American military will step in to decimate the terrorists.
Earlier on Friday, President Trump had designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for the condoning “Christian genocide” in the country.
In his statement warning the Federal Government of Nigeria of potential American intervention, President Trump wrote:
“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,” to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities. I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. 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!”
Seeking American Congress’ support for a possible military intervention in the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria, President Trump stated, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’
“But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!
“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me.”
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”
President Bola Tinubu Reacts
In a swift reaction, President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the grim security situation in Nigeria, but called on the American Government to rather collaborate with the Nigerian Government in tackling the problem through military support as against direct intervention by foreign forces.
In his reaction, President Tinubu said:
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.
Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.
“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.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. 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.
In a similar manner, the Ministry of Foeign Affairs also promptly issued a statement in Abuja on Saturday, insisting that the position of President Trump does “not reflect the situation on the ground.” The statement signed by the spokesman of the ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa reiterated that President Tinubu’s government was determined to fight insurgency in the country.
According to the ministry, “The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people.
Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.
The spokesman of President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga has gone into an overdrive to repudiate the position of the American government. Mr. Onanuga has taken to his social media handles to showcase “talks,” articles and social media posts that show that President Trump was wrong.
However, despite the grandstanding of the government, millions of Nigerian have also taken to the social media to appreciate and support the position of President Donald Trump over the unbated killings that have pervaded Nigeria for nearly two decades.
