Nigeria demands respect for its sovereignty in US plans to protect Christians

In Nigeria, Islamist groups continue to carry out massive attacks on Christian communities, particularly in the north and northeast of the country. The groups Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province systematically attack villages, churches, and residential areas.

According to aid organizations, more than 7,000 Christians were killed in 2025 alone. The attacks include mass murders, kidnappings, and destruction of property. Militants often force villagers to convert to Islam under threat of death. During the recent attacks over the Christmas holidays, five Christians were executed, accompanied by threats against other believers. This wave of violence has sparked fears of a possible genocide campaign against Christians. However, the Nigerian government emphasizes that the violence is not exclusively religiously motivated.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States could send ground troops or carry out air strikes in Nigeria to end the violence against Christians. He said he had already instructed the Department of Defense to prepare for possible “rapid” military action if the Nigerian government did not stop the killings.

Daniel Bwala, advisor to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, said that American support in the fight against Islamist insurgents would be welcome, but only if Nigerian sovereignty was preserved.

(reuters, sie)