US President Donald Trump has ordered the military to prepare for action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups, accusing the government of failing to protect Christians.
Trump did not specify which killings he was referencing, but there have been claims of a genocide against Nigeria's Christians circulating in right-wing US circles.
However, violence monitoring groups report no evidence indicating that Christians are being killed more frequently than Muslims in Nigeria, which has approximately equal numbers of followers of both religions.
Advisors to Nigeria's president have suggested that any military actions against jihadist groups should be a collaborative effort.
Daniel Bwala, an advisor, stated that Nigeria would welcome US assistance against Islamist insurgents, but emphasized the country's sovereignty.
Bwala also pointed out that jihadists are not specifically targeting any one religion, having killed individuals from various faith backgrounds.
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu reiterated claims of religious tolerance and pointed out that the ongoing security issues affect people regardless of faith.
Trump made his intentions clear in a social media post on Saturday, announcing that he has directed the US Department of War to prepare for possible military action.
He warned that he could send troops into Nigeria guns-a-blazing unless the Nigerian government acted, stating all aid to the "now disgraced country" would be cut.
He declared: If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth responded positively to Trump's threat, affirming military preparations against those responsible for atrocities against Christians.
The reaction to Trump's threat has been alarmist in Nigeria, with social media users urging the government to intensify efforts to combat militant groups to prevent foreign troop intervention.
While Bwala noted Trump’s unique communication style, he stated that Nigeria is not taking his warnings literally, expressing hope for continued dialogue between Trump and Tinubu.
Trump earlier classified Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing an existential threat to its Christian population, without presenting evidence for claims that thousands have been killed.
This designation enables the US to impose sanctions on countries for significant violations of religious freedom.
Following the designation, Tinubu committed his administration to collaborating with the US and international stakeholders to ensure the safety of all communities.
Labeling Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not align with our national realities, stated the Nigerian leader.
Groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have caused extensive destruction in northeastern Nigeria for over ten years, predominantly affecting Muslim populations, according to research by ACLED, an organization that analyzes global political violence.
In central Nigeria, conflicts often arise between predominantly Muslim herders and mainly Christian farmers, centering around resource access, leading to cycles of violence that have affected both groups.
Trump has positioned himself as a president who avoids engaging the US in war, while facing mounting pressure domestically from the political right to address Nigeria's situation more vigorously.
Additional reporting by Chris Ewokor in Abuja
