US May Hit Nigeria Again if Attacks on Christians Persist, Says Trump
US May Hit Nigeria Again if Attacks on Christians Persist, Says Trump
United States President Donald Trump has warned that additional US military strikes could be carried out in Nigeria if attacks on Christians continue, following recent airstrikes targeting militant groups in the country’s north.
Speaking in an interview with the New York Times, Trump said he would prefer the operation to be a one-off action but stressed that further strikes remained an option if killings persist. He was responding to questions about air raids carried out on Christmas Day in Nigeria’s Sokoto State.
The US leader claimed that Christians face severe threats in Nigeria, though he acknowledged that Muslims are also victims of violence.
He maintained, however, that Christians are disproportionately affected by the attacks.
Nigeria’s government has strongly rejected claims that it is failing to protect Christians, insisting that insecurity affects citizens of all faiths.
Officials say the country’s security challenges are driven by terrorism and criminal violence rather than religion.
Reacting to Trump’s comments, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country remains committed to protecting all citizens without discrimination.
A ministry spokesperson added that Nigeria would continue to work with international partners, including the United States, while respecting national sovereignty and international law.
The Christmas Day airstrikes targeted camps belonging to Lakurawa, a jihadist group operating near Nigeria’s border with Niger. The operation was carried out with the approval of Nigerian authorities, though no official casualty figures have been released.
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, described the strikes as a joint military effort unrelated to religion or the Christmas season. He said the operation had the backing of President Bola Tinubu and involved Nigerian security forces.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has battled multiple security threats for over a decade including Islamist insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest and separatist violence in other regions, complicating efforts to restore nationwide stability.
