A major diplomatic storm is brewing between Nigeria and the United States after former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened possible military action over what he described as “genocidal killings of Christians” in Nigeria. His remarks have sparked widespread outrage, dividing opinions across religious, political, and civil lines in the country.
Trump’s comments followed mounting reports of insecurity and violence across Nigeria, including attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and a newly emerging terror group known as Lakurawa. However, many Nigerians, including religious and political leaders, have strongly condemned the threat, calling instead for cooperation and support rather than confrontation.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) welcomed Trump’s comments as a divine wake-up call, urging the federal government to address what it called “unabated mass killings” in states such as Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna. PFN spokesperson, Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, said Trump’s stance should prompt urgent government action to end the bloodshed.
However, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) cautioned Trump to target terrorist groups rather than the Nigerian state. MURIC’s statement stressed that terrorism in Nigeria affects both Muslims and Christians, urging calm and discouraging retaliatory or militant responses. “We condemn terrorism in all its forms,” the group said, warning that indiscriminate U.S. strikes could reignite religious tension.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), described Trump’s position as “misinformed and dangerous,” warning that coercive measures could push Nigeria toward strategic alliances with China and Russia. He called for diplomacy, intelligence-sharing, and international cooperation instead of threats.
Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, echoed similar sentiments, labeling Trump’s claims as “unfounded and premature.” He argued that Nigeria’s security crisis is complex and not based on religion. Gumi questioned U.S. sincerity, asking why Washington preferred threats over genuine support in strengthening Nigeria’s military.
Meanwhile, former Kano State governor and NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, maintained that insecurity in Nigeria “does not distinguish between religion or ethnicity,” urging the U.S. to offer technological support instead of deepening division.
Civil society groups, including CISLAC and Yiaga Africa, blamed the crisis partly on the government’s failure to communicate effectively with global partners. They noted that the lack of appointed ambassadors and Nigeria’s silence at key U.S. hearings had worsened foreign misperceptions about the situation.
Presidential aides have since moved to defuse tension. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said President Tinubu had long anticipated such challenges and had directed security chiefs to intensify operations nationwide. Policy aide Daniel Bwala also confirmed that Tinubu would meet Trump soon to clarify misconceptions and strengthen counter-terrorism ties.
In a surprising twist, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, invited music star Nicki Minaj to discuss “religious persecution in Nigeria,” following her viral post supporting Christian victims. Waltz thanked the rapper for “using her platform for good” and offered to host her for further talks in New York.
However, tensions escalated further when U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, confirmed that his department was “preparing for action” in Nigeria if the killings continued. His statement has stirred diplomatic anxiety, as Nigerians await official government response and the outcome of the proposed Trump–Tinubu meeting.
With the situation intensifying, analysts warn that Nigeria must act swiftly to correct false narratives and reinforce international diplomacy—before rhetoric turns into a full-blown crisis.
