Overview
- President Donald Trump re added Nigeria to the U.S. ‘Country of Particular Concern’ list and threatened to suspend aid while ordering the Pentagon to prepare for possible rapid action.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly endorsed the directive, saying the “Department of War” is preparing for potential operations targeting Islamist militants.
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Nigeria is not religiously intolerant and affirmed constitutional protections for citizens of all faiths.
- Nigerian presidency spokesperson Daniel Bwala said the country would welcome U.S. assistance that recognizes its territorial integrity, emphasized that operations cannot be unilateral, and signaled a possible leaders’ meeting.
- Analysts and conflict data report that insurgent and communal violence affects multiple groups and regions, with many victims being Muslims, and caution that ‘Christian genocide’ claims risk inflaming sectarian tensions.