Why is Trump Threatening Military Action Against Nigeria?

Tensions have flared between Washington and Abuja after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a direct warning to Nigeria, citing what he described as an “existential threat” to the country’s Christian population.

Trump said he is prepared to send troops to protect religious minorities and has placed Nigeria on the U.S. State Department’s list of “countries of particular concern.”

Several members of Congress have echoed the warnings, claiming Christians are facing genocide in parts of Nigeria.

However, Nigerian officials have firmly rejected these allegations, calling them exaggerated and politically motivated.

Religious advocacy groups continue to highlight Nigeria as the “capital of Christian martyrs,” pointing to claims that 89% of Christians killed globally come from the country.

Yet, independent data paints a more complex picture — showing that between 2020 and 2025, at least 318 Christians and 418 Muslims were killed in sectarian violence, suggesting that both communities are victims of the same cycle of instability and extremism.