Trump Orders Pentagon to Prepare Troops, Strikes Over Nigeria

U.S. President Donald Trump re-listed Nigeria on Friday as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged large-scale killings of Christians and ordered the Defense Department to prepare for possible action, including the prospect of ground troops or air strikes and potential cuts to U.S. aid. Nigeria’s government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the characterization, reiterated the country’s commitment to religious freedom, and sought engagement with Washington to resolve differences. Domestic reactions were mixed: Senator Jimoh Ibrahim downplayed the risk of direct conflict, diaspora commission head Abike Dabiri‑Erewa called Trump’s claims unfair and urged U.S. support against terrorists, and the Social Democratic Party warned against unilateral U.S. intervention while urging military and intelligence cooperation and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. Observers noted the violence in Nigeria is complex—driven by jihadist groups as well as communal, ethnic and resource conflicts that affect both Muslims and Christians—and said the re‑designation, first applied by Trump in 2020 and removed under Biden, has intensified calls for diplomatic solutions rather than military escalation.