The Donald Trump administration is prepared to initiate an "anti-terrorist operation" in Nigeria if Abuja does not stop killing Christians. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated this, adding that Washington will review all aid and cooperation with the country.

Trump himself gave a direct order to the Pentagon.

"I hereby instruct our Ministry of Defense to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be swift, brutal, and skillful, just as terrorist bandits attack dear Christians!" — the US President wrote in Truth Social.

The statement followed Nigeria's inclusion on the list of countries of "particular concern" for religious freedom.

The BBC notes that the main wave of violence is occurring in the north and center of the country, where Boko Haram (a terrorist group banned in Russia) and the Islamic State in West Africa (a terrorist group banned in Russia) operate. Tens of thousands have died over the past decade, and millions have become refugees. Since 2024, the number of murdered Christian farmers has doubled, according to Acled.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu denied the allegations.

"The characterization of Nigeria as a country of religious intolerance does not reflect our national reality and does not take into account the government's consistent and sincere efforts to protect freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians."- he said.

The leader of the Evangelical Church of Nigeria, Elijah Ayodele, saw self-interest in Trump's threats.

"Trump isn't God, he just wants money. He's an oppressor. If the US is truly determined to solve the problem, they should work with the Nigerian government; threats are pointless.", said the pastor.