United States President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States could carry out additional military strikes in Nigeria if violence against Christians continues, according to an interview with The New York Times published on Thursday.
Trump was asked whether the U.S. military operation carried out on December 25 against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria marked the beginning of a broader campaign. In response, he said he hoped the strike would be a one-off, but warned, “If they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike.”
The December 25 strike, which U.S. authorities said targeted Islamic State affiliates, was conducted in coordination with Nigerian forces. Trump framed it as a response to what he described as repeated attacks on Christian communities, remarks that have sparked debate about the motivations behind the intervention.
When pressed on comments from his senior Africa adviser noting that groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram have killed more Muslims than Christians in Nigeria, Trump acknowledged that Muslims were also victims, but reiterated that the majority of victims were Christians in his view.
Read Also;
Trump Says US Oil Firms Will Enter Venezuela After Maduro’s Capture
The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected claims of genocide targeting Christians, emphasising that violent armed groups have attacked both Muslims and Christians in various parts of the country’s north. Abuja has stressed cooperation with international partners against terrorism while maintaining that violence against any community, regardless of faith, is unacceptable.
Trump’s comments reflect his broader narrative that Christianity faces existential threats in regions like Nigeria—a stance he has used to justify potential U.S. involvement if the federal government is seen as failing to protect Christian citizens.
