Trump Threatens Nigeria with Military Action and Aid Cut over Religious Violence

WASHINGTON / ABUJA – U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that he may authorize military action and suspend all American aid to Nigeria unless the country improves its efforts to protect Christians from extremist violence.

In a strong statement, President Trump accused Nigerian authorities of failing to halt attacks by Islamist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP. He formalized his concerns by designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations.

The White House position was bolstered by public support from former CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Senator Tom Cotton, who reportedly cited intelligence findings on the militant activities and the extent of the violence.

In response, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu firmly rejected the U.S. designation and the implied threat to national sovereignty. His office issued a statement reaffirming the Nigerian government’s commitment to constitutional guarantees of religious tolerance and rejecting any notion of targeted persecution against any faith group.

The development marks a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions between the two nations, forcing a re-evaluation of the long-standing U.S.-Nigeria counter-terrorism partnership.