US President Donald Trump has threatened to halt aid to Nigeria and consider military action over the killing of Christians, prompting varied responses from Nigerian leaders and groups. Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke urged the federal government to treat it as a wake-up call for stronger security measures and diplomatic ties. Anambra Governor Charles Soludo dismissed claims of religious genocide in the southeast, noting that Christians are killing Christians there.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would immediately halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria if its government continues to allow the killing of Christians, whom he described as being targeted in record numbers. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that the US might deploy forces 'guns-a-blazing' to 'completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists' responsible, instructing the Department of War to prepare for possible action. He warned the Nigerian government to 'move fast.'
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke responded on Monday, charging the federal government to view Trump's military action threat as a wake-up call for renewed efforts against insecurity. In a statement by his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke called for diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the US to address security concerns peacefully. 'I appeal to the Presidency of the United States of America to support Nigeria in fully implementing the recently developed national security strategy,' he said, emphasizing its potential to combat banditry and terrorism. Adeleke commiserated with victims' families in northern Nigeria and stressed the need for international cooperation, including high-powered presidential talks to highlight Nigeria's ongoing security operations.
Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo dismissed claims of a religious genocide in Nigeria's southeast, stating that the ongoing violence involves Christians killing Christians. This counters Trump's portrayal of the issue as targeted persecution.
Supporters of the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) mocked Trump's warning, according to SITE Intelligence Group analysis of IS-aligned posts. One translated message read: 'The Roman mule Trump, may Allah destroy him, threatens military intervention in Nigeria... Come at us, O enemy of Allah.' Another predicted: 'If the Roman mule enters it, he will leave dragging the tails of defeat.' The posts accused the US of ulterior motives, such as coveting Nigeria's oil and gold under the pretext of protecting Christians.
A group sought US-Nigeria collaboration to address the alleged Christian killings, while broader discussions reference Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom issues. These responses highlight tensions in bilateral relations amid Nigeria's security challenges.