US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has confirmed that, on the orders of President Donald Trump, his department is preparing for possible military action in Nigeria. The goal, he said, is to protect Christians from ongoing attacks. In a post on X (Twitter), Hegseth wrote, “The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria and anywhere must end immediately.” He added, “The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists committing these horrible acts.”
Trump Orders Military Readiness
Earlier, Donald Trump announced that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare for possible strikes in Nigeria. He warned that if the Nigerian government continues to allow Christian killings, the US would “stop all aid and may go in guns blazing to end the terror.” Trump has long claimed that Christians in Nigeria face persecution. He said the United States will not stand by while innocent believers are killed.
Tinubu Rejects Trump’s Claims
In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected Trump’s accusation.
He said calling Nigeria a religiously intolerant country does not reflect the truth.
According to Tinubu, the government works with Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace and protect freedom of worship. He stressed that Nigeria rejects all forms of religious persecution.
The president added that the country will always stand for unity, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Read more: Tinubu Replies Trump on Religious Freedom in Nigeria
