Nigerians Caught Between Genocide Fears and U.S. Threats — National Anxiety Deepens
Amid growing insecurity and political tension, Nigeria is witnessing intense public debate over perceived threats from the United States, with fears ranging from possible sanctions to outright military intervention.
Conversations across the country have been dominated by questions such as whether the U.S. is preparing to launch an attack and if so, who or what its targets might be.
Many Nigerians are torn between frustration with their government’s inability to secure lives and property, and suspicion of foreign interference that could further destabilize the nation.
A section of the populace believes Washington’s interest may be punitive rather than humanitarian, possibly involving sanctions or the withdrawal of critical support, including military assistance.
Others see a more sinister agenda, suggesting that the U.S. could be preparing to exploit Nigeria’s fragile security situation for strategic advantage in West Africa.
The speculation follows international reactions to allegations of human rights abuses and “genocidal” violence in parts of northern Nigeria. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently warned of “mass killings of Christians,” prompting strong reactions from Nigerian officials and commentators who accused Washington of inflaming tensions for political or economic gain.
Domestically, the atmosphere is further charged by divergent voices. Some groups are calling for national mobilization to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty against any foreign aggression.
Religious cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has gone further, describing armed bandits as “liberation fighters” and urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to confront what he portrays as American provocation rather than local insurgency.
Security analysts warn that such rhetoric could deepen public confusion and inflame existing divisions.
This is a dangerous moment,” one Abuja-based analyst said. “Nigeria risks being caught between domestic insurgency and international opportunism.”
The federal government has not confirmed any U.S. threat or diplomatic strain, but officials continue to emphasize that Nigeria’s sovereignty remains “non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, citizens, weary of years of violence and political uncertainty, find themselves trapped in a dangerous intersection between the menace of terrorism at home and the shadow of foreign intervention abroad.
