Outrage greeted US President Donald Trump’s threat to take military action against Nigeria over alleged “genocidal” killings of Christians. Trump’s remarks followed concerns about worsening insecurity and new armed groups including Lakurawa, kidnappers, bandits and Boko Haram.
Religious groups, former military chiefs, politicians and civil society rejected the threat, saying killings are not limited to one faith and urging US support, not punishment. The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) said Trump’s intervention highlights mass killings in states including Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Borno and Southern Kaduna, but warned against targeting innocent Muslims. MURIC called for dialogue, not violence.
Former Army chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd) said the “genocide” label oversimplifies Nigeria’s complex security problems and warned that US coercion could backfire, pushing Nigeria toward China and Russia. He urged urgent diplomatic engagement and united national messaging.
Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi called Trump’s claims premature and said insecurity affects all groups; he urged stronger US support in the form of military aid and intelligence rather than threats. Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso said insecurity does not target religion and urged technical assistance over polarising pronouncements.
CISLAC blamed the diplomatic row partly on Nigeria’s failure to appoint ambassadors who could counter misleading narratives abroad. Yiaga Africa said the focus should be on the government’s failure to stop killings, describing the crisis as a disregard for human life rather than religious genocide.
The presidency, via aide Bayo Onanuga, stressed President Tinubu is ahead of the “orchestrated game” and urged the military to be decisive. Special adviser Daniel Bwala said Tinubu and Trump will meet soon to discuss counter-terrorism and clarify misconceptions.
In other developments, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz invited Nicki Minaj to discuss protection of persecuted Christians after her online comments. Meanwhile, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon was preparing for possible action, urging Nigeria to protect its citizens or face targeted operations against terrorist groups.