Behind Trump’s Strange Threat: Is the US Planning to Attack Nigeria?
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing mehr News Agency, the analytical website Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that Donald Trump’s shock threats against Nigeria have raised questions about America’s motives regarding a potential military action against the country-typical of issues where Trump suddenly becomes involved.
The report notes that plans for military action against Nigeria have been fueled by members of Congress and evangelical groups close to Trump.Despite Abuja’s efforts to address Trump’s claims,including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu requesting a meeting with his American counterpart,Trump continued escalating tensions and even called for preparations for military intervention in Nigeria.
Trump and His Hasty Focus on Nigeria
An unnamed U.S.military official told Reuters that some American service members anticipated possible action by Trump after U.S. Senator Ted Cruz spoke in September and october about Christians in nigeria.Cruz claimed at that time that Nigerian authorities allowed genocide against Christians, which he said included tens of thousands killed over 15 years.
Victoria Coates, a former official in the Trump administration now working at the Heritage Foundation, told Reuters that as a major oil producer, Nigeria must ensure security so oil companies can operate safely there.
However, CNN reported Monday night from two sources that last Friday while en route to Florida, Trump saw a Fox News report-his favorite network-about attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria.He immediately became angry and requested more data on the subject. following Trump’s social media remarks hinting at military action in Nigeria, U.S. Africa command (AFRICOM) abruptly summoned its commanders.
Nigerian human rights advocate and security expert Bulama Bukarti expressed skepticism toward Trump’s comments to CNN. He described Trump’s statements as dangerously oversimplifying a complex security crisis in Nigeria: “The claim of mass Christian killings by Islamic extremists distorts realities on the ground” and risks deepening divisions within an already strained country.
Trump’s Bid to Lead Global Christianity
Al Jazeera wrote that following the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk-a right-wing activist supporting Trump’s administration-Trump has intensified efforts to shift from populist leadership within america toward becoming head of global right-wing Christianity.
Symbolically assuming informal leadership over Western Christian conservatives during his first speech at his second presidential term’s UN General Assembly session, he focused heavily on what he called persecution against Christianity worldwide. He criticized the United Nations for “failing to protect freedom of belief,” especially concerning Christians globally.
Trump urged world leaders to work toward “protecting Christianity.” Last year, fulfilling promises made during his campaign addressing “anti-Christian bias,” he held presidential campaign events focused on this issue; this year he formed a committee dedicated to it and issued executive orders aimed at safeguarding religious freedom.
simultaneously occurring, international affairs expert Hudson described Trump’s actions as largely performative but noted it would not be surprising if Washington carried out limited strikes both as proof of their stance’s seriousness and as an attempt to rally domestic public support.
Trump Distorting Realities on Nigeria
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), an institution monitoring crises worldwide, published a report showing that between January 2020 and last September over 20,400 civilians were killed across attacks in Nigeria. Of these victims,317 deaths were linked specifically to attacks targeting Christians, while 417 deaths resulted from attacks aimed at Muslims.
Nnamdi Obasi, security analyst and senior adviser at International Crisis Group Research Center explained to CNN that extremist groups attacking both Christians and Muslims have created chaos across northeast Nigeria while intimidating Muslim-majority communities in northwest regions. Additionally,Catholic agricultural communities located mainly around central northern areas suffer ongoing violence from armed groups.
However , Obasi emphasized most Nigerians live peacefully regardless their religion . Reports depicting widespread harassment or mass killings solely against Christians misunderstand realities , exaggerating religious conflicts nationwide .
Ken Iloma Isiguzo , opposition Labor Party spokesman also said Wednesday via CNN there is no evidence supporting President Trump’s claims specifically alleging systemic targeting or extermination campaigns directed only towards Christian populations despite government’s indifferent attitude protecting citizens .
With population exceeding 232 million distributed among approximately 250 ethnic groups , Northern Nigerians predominately practise Islam whereas Southern communities are largely Christian .Supporters belonging both faith traditions fell victim warfare waged by factions such Boko Haram along with West African branch ISIS militant cells. Conflicts often flare involving majority Muslim herders clashing violently with chiefly Christian farmers competing land resources around country’s Middle Belt ; meanwhile armed militias regularly raid villages throughout Northwest demanding ransom payments kidnapping residents for profit business .
