United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that the Department of War is preparing for possible action in Nigeria following reports of attacks on Christian communities in the country.
Hegseth disclosed this on Saturday in a post on X, in response to President Donald Trump’s earlier statement threatening U.S. intervention over alleged persecution of Christians.
“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.
President Trump had on Friday re-designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing what he described as ongoing violence against Christians and the Nigerian government’s failure to protect religious minorities.
He warned that Washington would “not remain silent” while “Christian blood is shed,” and hinted that the U.S. military had been instructed to “prepare options.”
In response, Nigerian officials dismissed the allegations, denying any form of government-backed persecution. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Information said that Nigeria “remains committed to protecting all citizens regardless of faith” and described the U.S. remarks as “misguided and unfortunate.”
The Country of Particular Concern designation is a U.S. policy tool used to pressure nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom. While it can lead to diplomatic sanctions, the latest statements from Washington suggest a more forceful approach may be under consideration.
Observers say the development could strain relations between Abuja and Washington, both of whom have maintained security cooperation in the fight against terrorism in West Africa.
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