Abuja — Nigeria has responded cautiously to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened swift military action over what he described as the persecution of Christians.
While open to international support in its fight against terrorism, its officials insist that any assistance must respect the country’s sovereignty.
Daniel Bwala, a senior adviser to President Bola Tinubu, said on Sunday that Nigeria would not oppose U.S. involvement, since it doesn’t infringe on its territorial integrity.
“We welcome help, but not at the cost of our independence,” Bwala told reporters who added, “Nigeria is capable of managing its internal affairs.”
Trump’s comments, made during a campaign rally, included claims that the terrorists are systematically targeting Christians in Nigeria.
He said he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare for possible rapid intervention if the killings continue.
Meanwhile, his remarks have stirred debate across Nigeria, with reactions ranging from cautious optimism to outright rejection.
Despite Trump calling Nigeria a “disgraced country,” Bwala downplayed the rhetoric.
“We don’t take it literally. We know he has a history of strong words, but also of friendship with Nigeria,” he said.
Nigeria has been grappling with Islamist insurgency for over 15 years. Groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have carried out deadly attacks, mainly in the northeast.
While Christians have been among the victims, analysts note that Muslims have also suffered heavily, with violence often driven by land disputes, ethnic tensions, and organised crime.
In central Nigeria, clashes between herders and farmers—often divided along religious lines—have further complicated the crisis.
Meanwhile, in the northwest, bandit groups continue to terrorise villages, kidnapping residents and demanding ransom.
Security experts caution against framing the violence as a one-sided religious war.
“These insurgents may use religious language, but their actions devastate entire communities, regardless of faith,” said Ladd Serwat, a senior analyst at ACLED, a conflict-monitoring group.
ACLED data shows that out of nearly 2,000 attacks on civilians this year, only a small fraction were explicitly targeted at Christians for their faith.
Claims circulating in some U.S. circles that over 100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009 are not supported by available evidence.
President Tinubu, a Muslim from southern Nigeria married to a Christian Pastor, has rejected accusations of religious bias.
Observers view his recent appointment of a Christian as defence chief as part of a broader effort to maintain religious balance in government.
Still, some Nigerian Christians say they would welcome foreign intervention. “If the U.S. wants to help, let them come,” said Juliet Sur, a businesswoman in Abuja. “We’re tired of living in fear.”
Military analysts warn that any U.S. operation would face logistical hurdles. With militant groups scattered across vast terrain and operating across borders with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, targeted strikes would be brutal.
The U.S. withdrawal from Niger last year further complicates potential deployment.
For now, Nigeria is urging dialogue over confrontation. “We need partnership, not threats,” Bwala said. “Terrorism is a global problem. Let’s fight it together—with respect
