Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon has begun preparing options after the president directed planning for potential action in Nigeria.
- President Trump threatened to suspend U.S. assistance, said he may deploy troops or carry out airstrikes, asked lawmakers to probe alleged mass killings of Christians, and labeled Nigeria a country of particular concern on religious freedom.
- Nigeria’s foreign ministry and President Bola Tinubu rejected the U.S. allegations and characterization, while authorities established a commission to investigate reports of atrocities.
- Reporting describes confusion and fear among Nigerians in response to possible U.S. military action, with some warning of risks to religious and ethnic stability.
- White House legal officials told lawmakers certain strikes—such as on suspected drug‑trafficking vessels—may proceed without prior Congressional approval under the War Powers framework, drawing bipartisan concerns about transparency.