Nigeria Insists on Sovereignty as Trump Threatens U.S. Military Action Over Christian Killings
He downplayed Trump’s remarks, saying the former U.S. leader “thinks well of Nigeria” despite calling it a “disgraced country"
Nigeria has said it would welcome U.S. assistance in fighting Islamist insurgents, but only if Washington respects its sovereignty, following threats by President Donald Trump of possible military action over alleged persecution of Christians
Trump told reporters on Saturday that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare for “fast” intervention in Nigeria, including potential air strikes or troop deployment, to stop what he described as the killing of “very large numbers” of Christians
“We welcome U.S. assistance as long as it recognises our territorial integrity,” said Daniel Bwala, an adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu
He downplayed Trump’s remarks, saying the former U.S. leader “thinks well of Nigeria” despite calling it a “disgraced country”
Nigeria has battled Islamist insurgents such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province for over 15 years, with violence killing thousands, mostly in the Muslim-majority northeast
Analysts note that while Christians have been among the victims, the majority killed have been Muslims, and the violence often stems from complex ethnic, political, and land conflicts rather than purely religious motives
Tinubu has rejected allegations of religious intolerance, stressing his government’s commitment to protecting both Christians and Muslims. He recently appointed a Christian as defence chief to balance key leadership roles
Also read : President Samia Suluhu to Be Sworn In Amid Opposition Claims of Hundreds Killed in Tanzania Election
Security experts warn that any U.S. strikes would face major logistical challenges, as militant groups operate in dispersed cells across Nigeria and neighbouring countries
Meanwhile, some Nigerian Christians expressed support for possible U.S. involvement, saying it could enhance their security, even as the government reiterated that “there is no Christian genocide” and Nigeria’s unity must not be undermined
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
