US President Donald Trump has ordered the military to prepare for action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups, accusing the government of failing to protect Christians.
Trump did not specify which killings he was referring to, but claims of a genocide against Nigeria's Christians have been circulating in recent weeks and months in some right-wing US circles.
However, groups monitoring violence indicate that there is no evidence Christians are being killed at a higher rate than Muslims in Nigeria, where the population is divided roughly equally between the two religions.
An advisor to Nigeria's president stated that any military action against jihadist groups should be collaborative. Daniel Bwala mentioned that Nigeria would appreciate US assistance in combatting these Islamist insurgents, but emphasized the nation's sovereignty.
Bwala also clarified that jihadists are not exclusively targeting a specific religion, as they have claimed victims from various faith backgrounds, including Muslims.
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu maintains that the country embodies religious tolerance, asserting that the security challenges affect populations across faiths and regions.
In a recent social media post, Trump informed that he had instructed the US Department of War to prepare for possible action, threatening military intervention if the Nigerian government does not promptly act. He indicated the US would cut all aid to Nigeria, labeling it a "disgraced country."
Trump insisted, If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! This declaration and its implications have triggered widespread concern in Nigeria, with many urging the government to enhance its fight against Islamist groups to avoid foreign military presence.
Bwala indicated that Nigerians understand Trump’s intent is to assist in combating insecurity and expressed hope for a meeting between Trump and Tinubu to address these pressing matters.
Trump earlier announced that he had deemed Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern due to threats faced by Christians, claiming thousands have died, though this assertion lacked supporting evidence.
This US classification facilitates sanctions for countries engaged in severe violations of religious freedom. In response, President Tinubu asserted his commitment to working closely with the US and international community to safeguard people of all faiths, rejecting the characterization of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant nation.
Jihadist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have wreaked havoc in northeastern Nigeria for over a decade, with a majority of casualties among the Muslim population, according to political violence analysts.
In central Nigeria, clashes frequently arise between mainly Muslim herders and largely Christian farming groups, fighting over resources. Both sides have suffered substantial losses, but human rights organizations claim there is no substantial evidence that Christians are disproportionately targeted.
While Trump has previously expressed relief at avoiding military conflict during his presidency, voices from the political right are increasingly drawing attention to the situation in Nigeria, leading to heightened tensions both locally and internationally.
