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Trump Warns of More US Air Strikes in Nigeria Over Christian Killings

Published by admin on January 9th, 2026.

Trump Warns of More US Air Strikes in Nigeria Over Christian Killings

Former United States President Donald Trump has warned that additional American military strikes could be carried out in Nigeria if the killing of Christians continues, despite repeated assurances from the Nigerian government that there is no targeted religious persecution in the country.

Trump made the statement during an interview with The New York Times, published on Thursday, while responding to questions surrounding a US military operation conducted in Nigeria on Christmas Day.

According to reports, the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, said the airstrike targeted Islamic State fighters operating in northwestern Nigeria and was executed in coordination with Nigerian authorities. Nigerian officials at the time described the action as a joint counterterrorism operation, stressing that it was not directed at any religious group.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, reiterated that the airstrikes were carried out with the full consent, intelligence support, and cooperation of the Nigerian government. He emphasized that the operation did not infringe on Nigeria’s sovereignty and was solely aimed at terrorist elements.

In the interview, Trump suggested that while he would prefer the strikes to be limited, further action could follow if violence against Christians persists. He stated that continued killings could lead to repeated US military intervention.

When confronted with claims from his Africa adviser that extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates have killed more Muslims than Christians, Trump acknowledged that Muslims are also victims but maintained that Christians are disproportionately affected.

Adding to the development, US lawmaker Riley Moore revealed that American forces launched 12 Tomahawk missiles at ISIS positions in Nigeria. He described the strike as part of a broader military strategy, indicating that more operations could be carried out in partnership with Nigerian authorities.

Trump had earlier, in October, raised concerns about what he described as a serious threat to Christianity in Nigeria, warning that the United States might intervene militarily if the violence against Christian communities was not addressed.

However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims of religiously motivated persecution, stating that insecurity in the country affects both Christians and Muslims alike.

Following high-level engagements between officials from both countries, including talks led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stated that American forces are working closely with Nigeria to counter jihadist groups and address violence linked to extremist activities.