United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Nigeria, threatening multiple military strikes if the killing of Christians in the country does not cease. The threat follows a confirmed US air strike against Daesh militants in north-west Nigeria on Christmas Day, which Trump described as a "Christmas present" to the terrorist group.
Trump's "Many-Time Strike" Warning
In an interview with The New York Times published on Thursday, January 8, 2026, President Trump framed future US military involvement in Nigeria around the issue of religious violence. "I’d love to make it a one-time strike. But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike," Trump stated. He acknowledged that Muslims are also victims but insisted, "it’s mostly Christians." These comments directly tie US security policy to the protection of a specific religious group within Nigeria.
Nigeria Rejects Religious Framing, Calls It Joint Effort
The Nigerian government has strongly contested President Trump's characterization of the security situation and the nature of the military operation. Authorities maintain that the Christmas Day strike was a joint operation conducted at Nigeria's request and was focused solely on combating terrorism. Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized this point during an appearance on Channels Television, stating, "It must be made clear that it is a joint operation, and it is not targeting any religion."
The government has consistently denied allegations of systematic persecution against Christians, pointing out that victims of insurgent violence from groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP include both Christians and Muslims. Nigeria, with a population exceeding 230 million, is nearly evenly split between the two faiths, with Muslims predominant in the north and Christians in the south.
Symbolic Timing and Regional Implications
The timing of the initial strike on Christmas Day and Trump's subsequent remarks have added a layer of geopolitical and religious symbolism to the event, raising concerns about the perception of US motives. This development occurs amid Nigeria's long-standing struggle with complex security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings, particularly in its northern regions.
Furthermore, Trump's threats against Nigeria come shortly after the US confirmed military strikes inside Venezuela, signaling a potentially more interventionist foreign policy approach in different global theatres. The situation places the Nigerian government in a delicate position, balancing its need for international security cooperation against the imperative of defending its sovereignty and managing complex internal religious dynamics.
