US President Issues Ultimatum to Nigeria Over Security Crisis
United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Nigeria's government, threatening to cut off American aid if the West African nation fails to stop the ongoing killings of Christians and mass abductions. The ultimatum comes amid escalating violence across several Nigerian states that has drawn international condemnation.
According to reports from Fox News, the Trump administration is intensifying efforts to address violence targeting Christians in Nigeria. President Trump expressed his frustration during a Friday radio interview with Fox News Radio, stating "I'm really angry about it" and describing the situation in Nigeria as "a disgrace."
High-Level Diplomatic Meetings Amid Tensions
The diplomatic pressure escalated last week when US War Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Nigeria's National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The Pentagon confirmed that Hegseth emphasized Nigeria's need to demonstrate commitment and take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians.
Meanwhile, Nigerian officials have pushed back against the accusations from the Trump administration. The diplomatic row comes as Jonathan Pratt, Head of the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs, testified before the US Congress about potential Pentagon involvement in Nigeria's security challenges.
Pratt indicated that any US military involvement would be part of a broader strategy spanning "from security to policing to economic" solutions. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to achieve the best possible results in addressing Nigeria's security crisis.
Recent Attacks Highlight Escalating Crisis
The political tensions coincide with a dramatic increase in killings and abductions across Nigeria during the past week. Multiple states have witnessed horrific attacks targeting educational institutions and religious gatherings.
In Kebbi State, armed bandits struck Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga on Monday, November 17, 2025, violently abducting no fewer than 25 schoolgirls from their dormitory. The same school saw the murder of the Chief Security Officer and Vice Principal during the attack.
Niger State experienced an even larger-scale abduction when armed bandits attacked St Mary's Girls School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area. In the early hours of Friday, approximately 300 students were kidnapped in one of the largest school abductions in recent memory.
Kwara State also fell victim to religious violence when armed masked men interrupted a church service at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun branch on Tuesday evening. Eyewitnesses reported that attackers opened fire during the gathering, killing five worshippers on the spot before abducting several others, including the officiating pastor.
A viral video confirmed the chaotic scene as kidnappers escaped with their captives into nearby bush paths. Local vigilantes attempting to intervene were among those injured during the escape.
The series of attacks has intensified international scrutiny of Nigeria's security apparatus and prompted the strongest response yet from the Trump administration, which now demands concrete action to protect vulnerable communities across the country.
