A major diplomatic storm is brewing between Nigeria and the United States after U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, announced that the Department of War is “preparing for action” following reports of attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Hegseth made the statement on Saturday via a post on X (formerly Twitter) in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks threatening military intervention over what he described as the “persecution of Christians” in Nigeria.
“Yes sir. The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Hegseth wrote.
This comes a day after Trump designated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’, citing ongoing religious violence and the alleged failure of the Nigerian government to protect minority groups.
In a swift reaction, the Nigerian government denied any persecution of Christians or any religious group, insisting that the country’s conflicts are largely driven by criminal and communal issues, not religious hatred.
Diplomatic sources say the statement by the U.S. Defense Secretary has caused anxiety in Abuja, as officials seek to clarify the true position of Washington’s policy towards Nigeria.
