Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an immediate cessation of all aid and assistance to Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and leading oil producer. In a post on Truth Social, Trump threatened military intervention, vowing to eliminate Islamic terrorists responsible for what he described as ‘horrible atrocities’ against Christians. However, he provided no specific evidence to substantiate these claims. Trump labeled Nigeria a ‘disgraced country’ and warned its government to act swiftly, stating that any U.S. military action would be ‘fast, vicious, and sweet.’
The Nigerian government has yet to respond to Trump’s threats, and the White House has remained silent on the potential timing of any military action. Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth, a prominent commentator, echoed Trump’s sentiments on X, asserting that the U.S. Department of War is preparing for action if Nigeria fails to protect its Christian population.
This development follows Trump’s decision to re-add Nigeria to the U.S. State Department’s ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ list, which identifies nations accused of violating religious freedom. Other countries on the list include China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has refuted claims of religious intolerance, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedom for all citizens. The Nigerian Foreign Ministry also reaffirmed its dedication to combating violent extremism and expressed hope for continued partnership with the U.S.
The U.S. military presence in West Africa has diminished significantly, with approximately 1,000 troops withdrawing from Niger last year. The largest U.S. base in Africa remains in Djibouti, housing over 5,000 troops. Trump’s re-designation of Nigeria as a country of concern opens the door to potential policy responses, including sanctions or waivers, though these are not automatic.
Nigeria, home to 200 ethnic groups practicing Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions, has a history of peaceful coexistence but has also experienced sporadic violence, often fueled by ethnic divisions or resource conflicts. The extremist group Boko Haram has terrorized northeast Nigeria for over 15 years, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, predominantly among Muslims.
U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Tom Cole, have praised Trump’s actions, citing the ‘alarming persecution of Christians’ in Nigeria. The House Appropriations Committee has proposed increased funding for international religious freedom programs and support for communities affected by extremist violence in Nigeria.