Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States may carry out additional military strikes in Nigeria if violence against Christians continues.
Trump made the remarks during a rally in Florida, where he addressed recent U.S. airstrikes targeting terrorists in West Africa. He said the action was necessary to protect persecuted Christians and deter further violence.
“We will not stand by while innocent Christians are being slaughtered. If these attacks continue, more strikes will follow,” Trump said to a cheering crowd.
The comments come days after U.S. forces launched precision airstrikes on terrorist camps in the Lake Chad region, targeting militants linked to attacks in northern Nigeria. The strikes reportedly killed several insurgents and destroyed weapons stockpiles.
Trump, who has previously criticized Nigerian authorities for what he called weak efforts in curbing religious violence, said protecting Christians globally remains a priority.
Nigerian officials have not officially responded to Trump’s latest comments, but security sources say the situation is under review.
Meanwhile, human rights groups have called for international support to address religious and ethnic violence in Nigeria. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) welcomed the strikes but urged long-term diplomatic engagement instead of repeated military intervention.
The U.S. Department of Defense declined to confirm Trump’s statements, saying operational decisions are made based on evolving security assessments and not political commentary.
The Nigerian government continues to face criticism for its handling of rising insecurity, especially in the country’s northern region.
