U.S. Threats Prompt Nigeria Rejection, Markets Plunge

President Trump alleged that thousands of Christians are being killed in Nigeria and posted on Truth Social instructing the Pentagon to “prepare for possible action,” saying airstrikes or U.S. boots on the ground could be options, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly endorsing preparations. Reporting says the post was sparked by a Fox News segment and prompted an abrupt Pentagon response, including AFRICOM personnel being recalled as officials sought clarity on his directive. Nigeria’s government strongly rejected the characterization, with Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and President Bola Tinubu citing the constitution’s protections for religious freedom and warning against infringements on Nigerian sovereignty, and China also urged against using religion as a pretext for interference. Analysts said violence in Nigeria is driven by a complex mix of religious, ethnic and land conflicts rather than a simple campaign targeting Christians. Financial markets reacted, with Nigerian dollar bonds plunging to become the worst-performing emerging-market assets after the U.S. threat.