Nigerians React as Trump Orders US War Department ‘Pentagon’ to Prepare for Next Action in Nigeria
- Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare for possible action in Nigeria and halted US aid, sparking nationwide debate and diplomatic tension
- Tinubu rejected Trump’s claims of religious persecution and dismissed the US designation as misguided and based on misinformation
- Nigerians reacted sharply online, with some supporting foreign intervention and others warning against US interference in domestic security
United States President Donald Trump has stirred intense debate in Nigeria after ordering the Pentagon to prepare for what he described as America’s “next action” in the country.
This, however, follows his recent decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”.
Source: Getty Images
Trump also announced that the US would immediately halt all assistance and foreign aid to Nigeria, sparking nationwide reactions and diplomatic concerns.
The comments were made on Saturday, November 1, just a day after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally rejected Trump’s claim that Nigeria is now religiously intolerant.
Trump threatens military move and aid halt
According to Reuters, Trump suggested the United States could deploy military forces to Nigeria to “wipe out Islamic terrorists”.
“We may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists committing atrocities,” Trump reportedly said.
He argued that thousands of Christians are being killed in Nigeria by “radical Islamists”, describing the situation as an “existential threat”.
Tinubu pushes back on claims
President Tinubu rejected Trump’s statement, insisting Nigeria does not persecute any religion and stressing the country’s commitment to protecting all citizens.
The Presidency described Trump’s comments as “misguided” and based on misinformation.
Social media erupts with mixed reactions
Nigerians via X, have expressed sharply divided views, with some supporting international intervention and others warning against foreign interference.
Source: Getty Images
@Syberiaaaalt:
“This is not a religious issue. We all know we have insecurity problems and need help. Muslims and Christians are fighting side by side in the Nigerian Army.”
@Readonbookstore:
“It’s a threat. Tinubu must now take a lesson from Venezuela and develop a national defence system in case of invasion. Wake-up call.”
@HarrisonOgumogu:
“When another man takes responsibility for your household, that means you're hardworking.”
@juliuzi21:
“That’s the best decision he made. When Tinubu replied, he didn’t give a solution to the killings.”
@Yunusabk01:
“It’s not just about killings. Their plan is to plunge the country into civil war. Our leaders failed us first.”
Analysts warn against military action
Speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, November 1, Hamma Hayatu, warned that any military action by a foreign power could escalate tensions, but supporters argue that global pressure may force stronger government action against terrorism.
He said:
“Foreign military intervention is not the solution. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and such actions could inflame existing tensions and undermine our stability. The focus should be on intelligence support, diplomatic engagement, and strengthening our own security institutions, not external force.”
Alleged Christian genocide: Tinubu replies to Trump
Previously, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Tinubu has personally reacted to the allegation of United States President Donald Trump, after the latter alleged that Nigeria was now religiously intolerant and named the nation among the “country of particular concern”.
Trump, on Friday, October 31, raised the allegation against Nigeria, claiming that Christians are facing an "existential threat" in the West African country. He alleged that thousands of Christians are being killed in the country by some "radical Islamist".
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Source: Legit.ng
