By Muhammad Mamman
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp ultimatum to Nigeria via social media, warning that Washington may take actions the country “won’t like” if the Nigerian government fails to halt what he described as sustained attacks on Christians.
Trump stated that the U.S. would cut off “all aid and assistance” to Nigeria should the Nigerian authorities continue to “allow the killing of Christians”, and that the U.S. military might enter the country if necessary. He directed the United States Department of Defence (formerly the “Department of War”) to prepare “possible action”, warning the offensive would be “fast, vicious and sweet”.
The Nigerian government swiftly rejected the characterisation of the violence as one-sided religious persecution. President Bola Tinubu’s office reaffirmed that the country protects all citizens “irrespective of race, creed, or religion” and insisted that Nigeria remains committed to diversity and inclusion.
Analysis of the situation by independent observers indicates the security crisis in Nigeria is complex, involving insurgent groups, communal clashes and both Christian and Muslim victims — not easily reduced to a single narrative of one faith being systematically targeted.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government declared that it remains undeterred and will emerge stronger in the face of the threat. Information Minister Mohammed Idris stated that the government is handling the matter with “depth and seriousness” through dialogue, coordination and transparency.
As diplomatic tensions escalate, both nations are preparing for potential fallout — Nigeria by defending its sovereignty and international image, and the U.S. by signalling a readiness to escalate its stance unless it sees the changes it demands.
