Trump Signals Possible US Troops, Airstrikes in Nigeria over Christian Violence

President Donald Trump has suggested that the U.S. military might deploy troops or conduct airstrikes in Nigeria in response to what he described as widespread killings of Christians. He instructed the Department of Defense to prepare for possible action and threatened to stop all aid to Nigeria if the violence continues, describing the country as "disgraced" due to its failure to curb attacks by Islamist insurgents. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu responded by affirming his government's commitment to religious freedom and expressed willingness to work with the U.S., emphasizing that the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect reality. Nigerian officials have sought to downplay tensions, with advisers optimistic that dialogue between the two leaders will improve cooperation against terrorism. The Trump administration recently re-listed Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations alongside nations like China and Russia. Analysts note that while Christians have been targeted, Islamist insurgent attacks have predominantly affected Muslim populations in Nigeria's northeast, highlighting the complexity of the conflict.