Donald Trump, the president of the United States, has escalated his threat of military action in Nigeria, stating that he would not rule out airstrikes or ground troops to stop what he called the targeted killing of Christians in the West African nation.
Trump, who on October 31 redesignated Nigeria a “country of particular concern”, reiterated the warning in a video message on Wednesday in which he accused “radical Islamists” of carrying out a “mass slaughter” of Christians and said Washington would act if the Nigerian government failed to stop the violence.
Trump used direct language to detail potential US actions in the recorded speech, which was given behind a lectern wearing his office’s seal. He stated that the US might both withdraw aid and take direct military action.
He said, “If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid assistance to Nigeria.
“We are going to do things to Nigerians that Nigeria will not be happy about and may very well go into that now-disgraced country with guns blazing to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
He told the US Department of War to “prepare for possible actions,” warning that any strike would be “vicious and sweet” and urging Nigerian authorities to move swiftly.
“I am hereby instructing the Department of War to prepare for possible actions. If we attack, it is going to be vicious and sweet just as the terrorist thugs attack our chrished chirstians. The Nigerian government had better move fast before it is too late,” he said.
The US president framed the crisis as existential for Christians in Nigeria.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands and thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump said, calling on Congress to investigate the allegations immediately.
He requested that Representatives Riley Moore and Tom Cole, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, investigate the matter and provide an immediate report.
“I am requesting that Congressman Riley Moore, the House Appropriations Committee, and Chairman Tom Cole look into this matter right away and report back to me,” he stated.
Beyond military possibilities, Trump warned of the instant suspension of US funding should the deaths persist and portrayed the administration’s stance as part of a global effort to preserve Christian communities.
He declared, “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries.”
