U.S. Threatens Military Strike Over Christian Killings in Nigeria

The United States has warned it may launch Military action in Nigeria following reports of persistent attacks on Christian communities, sparking Global tension and diplomatic unease.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), declared that Washington was “preparing for action” after former President Donald Trump demanded immediate steps to stop what he described as “genocidal killings” of Christians.

“The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria – and anywhere – must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action,” Hegseth wrote. “Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists committing these horrible atrocities.”

Trump had earlier threatened to suspend all U.S. aid to Nigeria and hinted at possible direct intervention, saying America “may very well go into that country, guns-a-blazing, to wipe out the Islamic terrorists.” He added that any response from the U.S. Military would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

As of Sunday, the Nigerian Government had yet to respond officially. However, President Bola Tinubu recently dismissed foreign claims of religious persecution, affirming that Nigeria remains “a democracy grounded in freedom of worship and belief.”

The U.S. State Department has reportedly designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom — a move that could justify further diplomatic or military pressure.

International analysts have warned that Washington’s rhetoric risks inflaming tensions in West Africa and could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty if not resolved through diplomacy.