Trump threatens Nigeria military action

Demand for action after 50,000 Christians killed by terrorist groups

- by JACK PHILLIPS

THE Nigerian government responded to a warning from President Donald Trump that the United States could take military action in the African territory if its government does not do more to curb the persecution of Christians there by Islamic terrorists.

Nigerian President responds to Trump's call for military action against Christian persecution

“We welcome U.S. assistance as long as it recognises our territorial integrity,” Daniel Bwala, an adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, told Reuters.

On Saturday, Tinubu rejected accusations of religious persecution against Christians and defended Nigeria’s ‘sincere efforts’ to protect religious freedom.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” Tinubu said in a statement released on X. “Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”

He also said Nigeria is a country that also has “constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths,” adding that his government will work with the United States on this matter.