Trump Threatens Aid Cut and Possible Military Action in Nigeria as Abuja Welcomes Help That Respects Sovereignty

Overview

• Trump said he ordered the Pentagon to prepare for a rapid response and warned U.S. assistance to Nigeria would be suspended if killings of Christians continue.
• Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry rejected the designation and asserted it protects citizens of all faiths while upholding religious tolerance.
• Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala told Reuters Nigeria would accept U.S. military support against jihadist groups if its territorial integrity is respected.
• Trump requested a congressional review led by Reps. Riley Moore and Tom Cole, and Sen. Marco Rubio publicly backed the characterization of widespread killings.
• Reporting situates the dispute within years of Boko Haram and ISWAP violence that has killed tens of thousands, with many Muslim victims, and no U.S. military action has been initiated.