Trump Warns of More U.S. Military Strikes in Nigeria Over Christian Killings
The United States could launch more military attacks in Nigeria if violence against Christians persists, former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned. Speaking with The New York Times, Trump linked the possibility of future strikes to continued reports of Christian killings in the country.
He said the Christmas Day missile strikes on Islamic State militants were not necessarily meant to mark the beginning of a long-term military campaign. However, he added that repeated attacks on Christians would force the U.S. to respond again, making further strikes unavoidable.
While Trump’s comments stirred attention, Nigerian officials moved quickly to downplay the situation. Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, described the strike as a single, limited action rather than part of an ongoing operation.
The former president also addressed conflicting claims about who suffers the most from extremist violence in Nigeria. Although he admitted that Muslims are also victims, he maintained that Christians are disproportionately targeted. This stance contrasts with remarks made by his adviser, Massad Boulos, who previously stated that Boko Haram and ISIS have killed more Muslims than Christians.
Meanwhile, data from flight-tracking services revealed that U.S. intelligence and surveillance missions over Nigeria resumed shortly after the strikes, suggesting continued attention to developments on the ground.
