Trump Threatens Military Action Against Nigeria Over Christian Persecution

President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Nigeria, demanding immediate measures to protect Christians facing violence in the West African nation. This declaration came shortly after rapper Nicki Minaj publicly praised Trump for his stance on religious persecution.

In a post on his platform, Truth Social, Trump asserted that he had instructed Pete Hegseth and the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare for potential military intervention if Nigeria fails to address the ongoing killings of Christians. He emphasized the severity of the situation, noting, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”

Trump’s response reflects his administration’s focus on religious freedom globally. He stated, “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!”

Nicki Minaj’s Support and Nigeria’s Response

Minaj quickly expressed her appreciation for Trump’s commitment to protecting religious freedoms. She shared on social media, “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion.” Her remarks highlight the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of celebrity influence and political issues.

In response to Trump’s assertions, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the characterization of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant nation. “Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so,” Tinubu stated. He emphasized that Nigeria actively opposes religious persecution and maintains constitutional protections for all faiths.

Trump’s threats included the possibility of halting all U.S. aid to Nigeria if the government does not take action against the violence. He warned, “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.”

He further instructed the Department of War to prepare for swift action, should it become necessary, stating, “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!”

Background on Nigeria’s Religious Dynamics

Nigeria is home to approximately 220 million people, with a nearly equal division between Christians and Muslims. The country has struggled with various forms of insecurity, including the activities of the Boko Haram extremist group, which targets both Christians and Muslims who do not conform to its radical interpretations of Islamic law.

The ongoing violence has led to significant international concern regarding human rights and religious freedoms within Nigeria. The situation continues to evolve amid calls for greater accountability and protection for vulnerable populations.

Trump’s recent statements underscore the complex intersection of international relations, religious freedoms, and domestic politics. The developments highlight the escalating tensions surrounding Nigeria’s approach to religious violence and the global implications of U.S. foreign policy.