Alleged Christian Killing: We are ready for action, says US War Department after Trump’s comment

The US Department of War says it is preparing for possible military action if the Nigerian government does not stop what American officials describe as attacks on Christians in the country.

Pete Hegseth, who has been identified on social media as the US secretary of war, echoed a post by former President Donald Trump on Saturday and said the “killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately.” Quoting Mr Trump’s message, Hegseth added: “The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

Mr Trump had earlier posted on Truth Social that the US would halt all aid to Nigeria and had instructed the Department of War to “prepare for possible action” unless the killings stop. He also redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing alleged mass attacks on Christians and blaming radical Islamist groups.

The Nigerian government has rejected those claims. President Bola Tinubu said the label does not reflect Nigeria’s reality and stressed that the country remains a democracy that protects freedom of religion. Nigerian authorities have repeatedly said that terrorists target people of all faiths and have pushed back against the narrative that violence in the country amounts to a targeted campaign against Christians.

The US comments are likely to increase diplomatic tensions and raise questions about possible policy moves, including aid restrictions or other measures, if the situation remains unresolved.