Trump: Boots on the ground, air strikes could be part of planned Nigeria attack

United States President, Donald Trump has suggested he may consider military intervention in Nigeria over what he describes as widespread killings of Christians in the country.

Trump, who accused Nigeria of failing to protect its Christian community, said he would not hesitate to authorise “air strikes or boots on the ground” if necessary. He also indicated that Nigeria risks losing all U.S. aid if the situation does not improve.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday before boarding Air Force One, Trump maintained that the U.S. “will not continue to look the other way,” insisting that Christian communities in Nigeria are facing deadly attacks.

Nigeria, he said, has now been placed on the U.S. list of “countries of particular concern (CPC)” due to perceived religious persecution.

In response, the Nigerian government has firmly rejected the allegations of a Christian “genocide.” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu maintained that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom and equal protection for all citizens, regardless of faith.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said in a statement on November 1. “This description of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality. Our administration continues to engage Christian and Muslim leaders and to address security challenges affecting citizens across all faiths.”

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He added that religious tolerance has long been a defining characteristic of Nigeria and that the government does not condone persecution in any form.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, disclosed on Saturday that a meeting between Tinubu and Trump is expected to take place “in the coming days” to address the concerns raised.