Nigerians Call for Urgent Security Reforms as Donald Trump Threatens U.S. Military Action Over Christian Killings
Story: written by Myra November 13,2025
A wave of reactions has trailed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of possible military intervention in Nigeria, following his designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution and killings of Christians.
Trump’s declaration has stirred strong debate across Nigeria, with many citizens urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to intensify the fight against terrorism and insecurity before the situation worsens.
Trump had accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to mass killings of Christians and threatened to authorize the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare for possible action if the attacks persist.
Responding, President Tinubu dismissed the claims, saying the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant was inaccurate and failed to reflect his administration’s ongoing efforts to protect religious freedom for all.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating violent extremism and expressed hope for continued partnership with the United States in addressing insecurity.
International reactions have been swift. ECOWAS rejected Trump’s claims, warning that such statements could destabilize West Africa, while China and the European Union both reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and peace efforts.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing strongly opposed the use of religion or human rights as a pretext for foreign interference. Similarly, the EU’s Anouar El Anouni emphasized that the union would continue supporting Nigeria’s stability and religious neutrality.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have expressed mixed feelings. Some welcomed Trump’s threat as overdue pressure on leaders who have allegedly failed to protect citizens, while others argued that the comments were exaggerated or politically motivated.
Public affairs analyst Anyebe Ekainu said too many innocent lives have been lost, adding that decisive action—local or foreign—is urgently needed to end the bloodshed.
Another commentator, Michael Akor, described Trump’s move as “an answered prayer,” noting that sovereignty should not be an excuse for inaction in the face of mass atrocities.
Civil society advocate Salaudeen Hashim criticized the renewed CPC designation as stigmatizing, urging Nigeria to strengthen its diplomacy, intelligence, and counterterrorism communication strategies.
Others, like Anthony Ameh, Ibrahim Mohammed, and Abdul Rahman, backed potential international involvement, arguing that years of government negligence have emboldened violent actors and worsened insecurity nationwide.
Many citizens emphasized that foreign intervention should target terrorists and their sponsors, not Nigeria as a sovereign nation, calling it a necessary step to restore peace and justice across affected regions.
