The United States has indicated a broader strategy to support Nigeria in tackling attacks on Christians, following President Donald Trump’s directive to prepare for possible military action and his warning that America could intervene “guns-a-blazing” against extremist groups.
A senior official from the State Department said the approach goes far beyond military options. It includes diplomatic measures—such as the possibility of sanctions—alongside assistance programs and intelligence cooperation with the Nigerian government.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser to discuss steps to curb the violence. He shared photos from the meeting, a stark shift from Trump’s earlier threat to suspend all aid to Nigeria if authorities “continue to allow the killing of Christians.”
These renewed efforts align with Trump’s promise to limit foreign military entanglements at a time when the US security presence in Africa has decreased. Any direct military involvement in Nigeria would likely require redeploying forces from other regions.
Despite this, the president has intensified his criticism as Nigeria faces repeated attacks on schools and churches, with both Christians and Muslims targeted.
“I’m really angry about it,” Trump said during a radio interview on Friday. He accused Nigerian authorities of “doing nothing” and described the situation as “a disgrace.”
The Nigerian government has dismissed his claims.
A Comprehensive Strategy Emerges
After meeting with Nigeria’s security chief, Hegseth stated that the US is “working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists.”
According to a Pentagon statement, Hegseth stressed the need for Nigeria to take swift and sustained action to protect vulnerable communities, while reaffirming America’s willingness to support Nigeria in degrading terrorist groups that pose threats to the US.
Jonathan Pratt, head of the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, told lawmakers that potential military engagement is only one part of the broader plan. The issue is also under review by the National Security Council.
Pratt outlined a holistic strategy—covering security, policing, and economic support—as part of the US response to Trump’s designation of Nigeria as “a country of particular concern,” a move that could lead to sanctions.
Complex Roots of Nigeria’s Violence
Nigeria’s insecurity is driven by overlapping crises: extremist groups like Boko Haram target both Christians and Muslims; clashes between mostly Muslim herders and predominantly Christian farmers continue over land and water; and heavily armed bandits carry out kidnappings for ransom.
Recent attacks included mass abductions from a Catholic school on Friday and another school in a Muslim-majority area earlier in the week. Gunmen also killed two people at a church and kidnapped several worshippers.
The rise in violence has drawn increasing global attention, with public figures joining calls for action.
If Washington chooses to intervene militarily, the reduced US presence in the region—following withdrawals from Niger and other strategic points—means resources would have to be mobilized from places like Djibouti or smaller, mission-specific security hubs in West Africa.
Even with increased US involvement, analysts warn that military action alone cannot resolve a crisis that has built up over decades.
Judd Devermont, a senior Africa security expert, noted that limited airstrikes would likely fail to weaken extremist groups effectively.
“Nigeria’s insecurity has evolved over decades,” he said. “It will not be reversed overnight by an influx of US resources.”
He added that lasting solutions require economic investments, interfaith programs, and stronger policing—efforts that also depend on Nigerian cooperation.
Risks Surrounding Any US Intervention
Nigeria has rejected the idea of unilateral military action but remains open to assistance against armed groups.
Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have entrenched themselves around the Lake Chad Basin, often moving across borders into neighboring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
Security experts warn that inserting US troops without a deep understanding of the conflict dynamics would be dangerous.
“If US forces enter without fully grasping the context, it exposes them to serious risks,” said Malik Samuel, a researcher at Good Governance Africa.
Nigeria’s own air operations have repeatedly resulted in accidental strikes on civilians.
To avoid worsening the situation, both governments would need a precise understanding of the overlapping causes of farmer-herder violence, banditry, and militancy—missteps could destabilize neighboring countries as well.
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