US President Donald Trump has ordered the military to prepare for action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups, accusing the government of failing to protect Christians.
Trump did not specify which killings he was referring to, but claims of a genocide against Nigeria's Christians have circulated recently in some right-wing US circles.
Monitoring groups report that there is no evidence to support claims that Christians are being killed more than Muslims, with both religions roughly evenly represented in the country.
An advisor to Nigeria's president expressed that any military action against jihadist groups should be coordinated.
“We would welcome US help in tackling Islamist insurgents, but we are a sovereign country,” Daniel Bwala stated, noting that jihadists have targeted individuals from various faiths.
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu emphasized that security challenges affect all citizens and insist that there is religious tolerance in the nation.
In a post on social media, Trump mentioned that he had instructed the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action,” threatening that he might send the military into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” unless the Nigerian government intervened.
He warned of cutting all aid to what he termed “the now disgraced country” if action was taken, stating, “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians!”
The remarks have alarmed many in Nigeria as social media users urge the government to act decisively against Islamist groups to prevent foreign troops from entering the country.
Bwala, identifying as a Christian pastor, explained that Trump's communication style is unique and that Nigeria is not interpreting his words literally, hoping for a meeting between Trump and Tinubu for further dialogue.
Trump previously designated Nigeria as a 'Country of Particular Concern' due to the 'existential threat' faced by its Christian population, claiming thousands had been killed without providing evidence.
This classification allows for sanctions against nations involved in severe violations of religious freedom. Tinubu has responded that his government is dedicated to collaborating with the US and the global community to protect all faith-based communities, disputing Trump's characterization of Nigeria as intolerant.
While jihadist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have instigated violence in northeastern Nigeria, reports from Acled indicate that most victims have been Muslims; conflicts over resources often involve both Christian and Muslim communities in central Nigeria.
However, reports imply atrocities committed by both sides, indicating that there is no clear evidence of Christians being disproportionately targeted.
While Trump has positioned himself as a peacemaker, he is also facing increasing pressure from politicians on the right to address Nigeria's situation more seriously.
