US threatens military action over attacks on Christians in Nigeria
A senior United States official has warned that the US is prepared to use military force in Nigeria unless the federal government takes stronger steps to protect Christians who have been targeted in attacks. The statement, part of a wider US response this week, followed a series of public remarks accusing some armed groups of carrying out deadly attacks on Christian communities and saying Washington would no longer tolerate inaction.
The US leader who made the threat said he had ordered the Pentagon referred to in his administration as the “Department of War” to begin planning for possible operations, and that American aid to Nigeria could be halted if the government did not act. US defence officials echoed that preparations were under way and signalled readiness to move if required. Those comments used blunt language about confronting “Islamic terrorists” blamed for many of the attacks and framed military action as a possible option if Nigeria failed to protect its citizens.
The Nigerian government publicly rejected the characterisation that it is failing to protect Christians and stressed its commitment to religious freedom and to tackling violent extremism across the country. Nigeria’s presidency and foreign ministry called for calm and urged continued diplomatic engagement rather than threats of unilateral action. Nigerian officials also warned that broad-brush claims about persecution can obscure the complex security dynamics, noting that victims of extremist violence include people of different faiths.
Analysts say the US rhetoric is likely to inflame diplomatic tensions and could complicate cooperative security work in the region. Human rights groups and regional experts note that while extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have attacked communities, accurate casualty figures and clear attribution are critical before any foreign military action is considered. Observers also warn that unilateral strikes risk further destabilising local communities and harming civilians without resolving the root causes of violence.
