Overview
- President Donald Trump said he is considering sending U.S. troops or conducting airstrikes in Nigeria and threatened to halt all American aid over alleged killings of Christians.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegset stated the Pentagon is preparing for possible actions following the president’s directive, though no strike has been authorized.
- Nigeria’s government rejected the accusations as not reflecting reality, highlighted interfaith coexistence, and pointed to a commission examining alleged crimes against Christians.
- An adviser to President Bola Tinubu said a meeting with Trump could take place in the coming days either in the White House or in Nigeria to address the dispute and counterterrorism cooperation.
- U.S. media reported confusion and fear among Nigerians after the threats, and separate reporting said White House legal counsel told lawmakers some targeted strikes may not require prior Congressional authorization, intensifying debate over executive war powers.