Trump Orders Pentagon Preparations for Possible Military Action in Nigeria Over Christian Persecution Allegations

President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to prepare for potential military action against Nigeria, accusing the Nigerian government of permitting the killing of Christians and threatening to suspend all aid if the situation does not improve. Trump described the potential military response as swift, brutal, and decisive, aimed at eradicating Islamic terrorists responsible for these alleged atrocities. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and government officials have rejected these accusations, emphasizing Nigeria's commitment to religious freedom and tolerance, and highlighting the country's constitutional protections for all faiths. Analysts note that violence in Nigeria is complex, involving religious, ethnic, and resource-based conflicts, with both Christians and Muslims among the victims, particularly in the predominantly Muslim north. Nigerian officials stress that the government is dedicated to protecting all citizens regardless of religion, countering Trump's narrative of religious persecution. This development follows Trump's designation of Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" regarding religious persecution, a label previously removed by the Biden administration.