Overview
- President Trump warned he could deploy U.S. forces or conduct airstrikes in Nigeria after directing the Pentagon to prepare options against Islamist militants.
- Defense chief Pit Hegset said the department is preparing potential actions and pressed Abuja to halt killings of Christians.
- The United States designated Nigeria a country of particular concern for religious freedom, with Trump also threatening to cut U.S. aid if the violence continues.
- Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry and President Bola Tinubu rejected the U.S. portrayal of the situation and highlighted longstanding interfaith coexistence, while creating a commission to investigate alleged atrocities.
- A Tinubu adviser said a meeting between the two presidents could occur in the coming days, and no U.S. military operation has been announced or formally requested by Nigeria.