Overview
- President Trump reinstated Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern status and publicly directed the Pentagon to ready plans, with reports saying AFRICOM has drafted options ranging from support to strikes.
- U.S. officials signaled willingness to work with Nigeria and urged stronger protections for vulnerable Christians, even as Washington maintains pressure through the new designation and aid threats.
- President Bola Tinubu and Nigerian authorities reject claims of state-tolerated religious persecution, and civil society groups petitioned against what they call an affront to sovereignty.
- Nigeria’s new army chief, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, pledged intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP during visits to Borno, promising better logistics and combat support for troops.
- Local leaders and analysts dispute a ‘Christian genocide’ framing, citing mixed motives including insurgency, banditry and land conflicts, and warn that casualty figures and narratives remain contested.