United States President Donald Trump has warned that further American military strikes could be carried out in Nigeria if killings of Christians persist, despite repeated denials by the Nigerian government that any religious group is being systematically targeted.
Trump made the remarks during an interview published on Thursday, reacting to questions surrounding a U.S. military strike conducted in Nigeria on Christmas Day.
According to U.S. Africa Command, the operation targeted Islamic State militants operating in northwestern Nigeria and was carried out in collaboration with Nigerian security forces.
Nigerian authorities at the time described the action as a joint counter-terrorism 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 conducted with Nigeria’s full cooperation, approval, and intelligence support, adding that the operation did not violate the country’s sovereignty.
In the interview, Trump said he hoped the strike would be a one-off action but warned of escalation if attacks on Christians continued.
“I’d love to make it a one-time strike,” he said. “But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike.”
When asked about claims that extremist groups in Nigeria have killed more Muslims than Christians, Trump acknowledged that Muslims were also victims but insisted that Christians were the primary targets.
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore disclosed that the American military launched 12 Tomahawk missiles at ISIS positions in Nigeria, describing the strikes as the beginning of a wider military effort to curb terrorism.
He said further actions would follow in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Trump has repeatedly warned since late October that Christianity faces what he described as an “existential threat” in Nigeria, threatening intervention if violence against Christian communities continues.
The Nigerian government, however, has consistently rejected these claims, maintaining that insecurity affects both Christians and Muslims equally.
It coul be recalled that Following high-level security engagements between both countries, led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the U.S. War Secretary, Pete Hegseth, said American forces are working closely with Nigeria to counter jihadist terrorism and address security challenges in the country.