Overview
- Nigerian presidential adviser Daniel Bwala said Abuja welcomes U.S. help that respects sovereignty and favors expanded intelligence sharing over intervention.
- Nigeria’s government denies that Christians are being singled out, describing a broader security crisis with varied regional drivers including Boko Haram/ISWAP in the north, banditry in the northwest, and farmer‑herder clashes in central states.
- Shehu Sani, a former senator and rights advocate, warned that any U.S. military action could ignite religious and ethnic tensions and create more problems than solutions.
- Trump’s move, encouraged by Senator Ted Cruz, places Nigeria on a religious‑freedom watch list that can enable sanctions, and Cruz has proposed legislation to target officials with penalties.
- Reactions inside Nigeria range from relief that the issue is drawing U.S. attention to concern that aid cuts or force could harm communities already facing violence.