Washington, D.C. — In a blistering social media post, President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to prepare for possible military intervention in Nigeria, citing what he calls the “mass slaughter” of Christians by Islamic extremists.

Trump declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, warning that U.S. aid would be cut off immediately. “We may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing,” he wrote, vowing to “wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

He added: “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet—just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth backed the order, stating: “The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will.”

Trump’s remarks follow his claim that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” intensifying U.S. criticism of the country’s security failures.

Nigeria’s Response: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the accusations, calling them a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s religious landscape. “We protect freedom of belief for all Nigerians,” he said. His press secretary added that attacks affect Christians, Muslims, churches, and mosques alike.

Nigeria urged the U.S. to shift focus from condemnation to cooperation, requesting military support to combat extremist violence in affected regions.

Background: Nigeria’s crisis is complex. Islamist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP target both Christians and Muslims. Ethnic tensions and land disputes further fuel violence, especially in the north, where most victims reside.