Overview
- The White House re-listed Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and President Trump threatened to cut aid and consider military action, with a spokesperson confirming he directed the Pentagon to plan options.
- Nigerian officials, including the information minister and foreign minister, said claims of state-tolerated persecution are based on misinformation and stressed that security forces are fighting terrorists who target people of all faiths.
- Independent data cited by multiple outlets indicate most violence is tied to insurgency, banditry and resource conflicts, with ACLED reporting 2020–2025 incidents targeting Christians and Muslims resulting in 318 and 418 deaths respectively.
- China condemned what it called a wanton threat of force, while U.S. conservatives pressed for tougher measures, with Sen. Tommy Tuberville backing the idea of deploying U.S. troops and Sen. Ted Cruz advocating sanctions.
- CNN reporting said a Fox News segment preceded Trump's posts and that U.S. Africa Command personnel were recalled over the weekend as the administration sought clarity on possible options.