Trump Warns of More US Strikes in Nigeria Over Attacks on Christians
United States President Donald Trump has warned that the US could carry out additional military strikes in Nigeria if attacks on Christians by extremist groups persist.
Trump made the remarks during a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, where he was asked whether the Christmas Day missile strikes against Islamic State affiliates in northwest Nigeria marked the beginning of a broader military campaign.
“I’d love to make it a one-time strike,” Trump said. “But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike.”
The December 25 operation, which drew global attention, was described by Washington as a targeted strike against Islamic State militants, reportedly carried out at the request of the Nigerian government. The strike came weeks after Trump had earlier warned that US troops could be deployed to Nigeria to confront terrorists accused of killing Christians.
However, Nigerian officials have stressed that the country maintained control over decision-making related to the operation. Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, previously noted that Nigeria remained central to the process.
Trump’s comments have reignited debate over claims that Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria. The Federal Government has consistently rejected allegations of a genocide against Christians, stating that violent extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have killed both Christians and Muslims.
In October, Trump’s senior adviser on Arab and African affairs, Massad Boulos, said extremist violence in Nigeria had claimed more Muslim lives than Christian ones. When asked about the remark, Trump acknowledged that Muslims were also victims but maintained that Christians were predominantly affected.
“I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria, But it’s mostly Christians. Trump said
The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of faith, while emphasising continued cooperation with international partners in counter-terrorism efforts.
Authorities insist that violence against any religious group is unacceptable and that the crisis is driven by complex security challenges rather than religious persecution alone.
