Talks about Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis took a dramatic turn this week after the U.S. president suggested Washington might not stop at a single military action.
In an interview published on Thursday with The New York Times, Donald Trump made it clear that the United States could launch further military strikes in Nigeria if violence against Christian communities does not ease.
What Trump Actually Said
When asked whether the U.S. Christmas Day operation targeting Islamic State–linked militants in northwest Nigeria was just “a one‑off,” Trump didn’t hold back.
He said he would prefer it to remain a single event, but warned that if attacks on Christians continue, more strikes could follow.
The December 25 action drew worldwide notice because it happened on a holiday and was framed by Trump as a response to what he described as the systematic killing of Christians by extremist groups.
U.S. officials said the strike was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government and aimed at militants affiliated with the Islamic State.
Acknowledging Other Victims
Trump’s comments didn’t go unchallenged within his own administration.
When pressed about remarks by his senior Africa adviser — who pointed out that groups like Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram have killed more Muslims than Christians — the president acknowledged that Muslims, too, suffer in Nigeria’s chaotic conflict.
However, he reiterated his view that Christians are the main targets of the worst violence.
Nigeria Pushes Back
Officials in Abuja have firmly rejected the idea that there is a deliberate genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
The federal government insists that violent extremist groups operate for mixed reasons — including local disputes over land, resources and governance — and that they kill Nigerians of all faiths, not just Christians.
Nigeria’s leaders have also emphasized that the fight against terrorism is a shared effort, and that cooperation with international partners — including the United States — is rooted in mutual interest against violent extremists.
They stress that any violence targeting civilians, whether Christian, Muslim, or of another belief, is unacceptable.
So, What Comes Next?
At this stage, it’s not clear when or if another U.S. military strike might happen.
Trump’s comments signal a willingness to continue using military force as long as he perceives a threat to Christian communities, but analysts and Nigerian officials alike have pointed out that the security situation is complicated and deeply rooted in Nigeria’s broader insurgency.
For now, both sides seem to be navigating a mix of security cooperation, political messaging, and diplomatic pushback — and ordinary Nigerians across different regions continue to face significant violence from a range of armed groups.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn