In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions between Washington and Abuja, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has confirmed receiving directives from President Donald Trump to prepare for possible military intervention in Nigeria.
The move, according to Hegseth, is intended to “protect Christians facing persecution” amid what Trump described as “rampant religious violence.”
“The Department of War is preparing for action,” Hegseth said in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter). The Secretary emphasised that “the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately,” adding that if Nigeria’s government fails to act, “we will kill the Islamic terrorists committing these horrible atrocities.”
The comments follow President Trump’s fiery declaration last week labeling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged religious persecution. Trump also threatened to suspend all U.S. aid to Nigeria, warning that America would “enter the country guns-a-blazing” if the attacks on Christians persist.
Tinubu Fires Back: “Nigeria is a Democracy, Not a Theocracy”
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swiftly rejected Trump’s characterisation, asserting that Nigeria remains “a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.”
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained open engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike,” Tinubu said in a statement from Abuja. “The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor the sincere efforts of government to safeguard freedom of religion and belief.”
He emphasised that religious freedom “is a core tenet of Nigeria’s collective identity” and vowed continued cooperation with the United States to deepen interfaith understanding.
U.S. Lawmaker Issues Stark Warning
Adding fuel to the controversy, Rep. Riley Moore (R–WV) reportedly wrote to President Tinubu, urging compliance with Trump’s directive.
“I urge you to cooperate with us in preventing this atrocity that worsens every day,” Moore wrote. “We want your people to live in peace — all of them, especially Christians. The President has been clear. I would not test his resolve.”
Nigerian Lawmakers Divided
At home, the U.S. designation and Trump’s threats have sparked heated debate in Nigeria’s National Assembly. Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) blamed the Tinubu administration and the Senate leadership for failing to proactively engage with Washington on religious violence reports.
Ndume recalled sponsoring a motion on “Christian genocide” months earlier, urging diplomatic engagement with the U.S. to present “verified facts and figures.”
“Muslims have been killed too,” Ndume stated. “This violence is not against Christians alone, but against Nigerians generally. We must correct this misconception before it damages our sovereignty.”
