President Trump has instructed the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military intervention in Nigeria in response to the persecution of Christians in the country. The administration has simultaneously announced the suspension of all U.S. aid and assistance to Nigeria, and designated the nation as a “Country of Particular Concern” regarding religious freedom. The decision follows documented reports of substantial violence against Christians in Nigeria during the first eight months of 2025.
Scale of Christian Violence in Nigeria
Recent data reveals alarming levels of violence targeting Christians in Nigeria. According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, 7,087 Christians were killed and approximately 7,800 were abducted between January 1 and August 10, 2025. Notable incidents include a June attack at a Benue State Catholic mission where gunmen killed at least 200 people, and an August incident in Katsina State where militants killed at least 27 individuals during a mosque attack. These statistics underscore the grave security situation affecting Christian communities throughout the country.
President Trump characterized the situation in forceful terms, stating that if the Nigerian Government continues permitting the killing of Christians, the United States will cease all aid and assistance. Trump indicated that military intervention would be “fast, vicious, and sweet,” and directed the Department of War to prepare for possible action. The administration’s classification of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” aligns with recommendations from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, which has expressed concern about both sectarian violence and the enforcement of blasphemy laws in twelve Nigerian states.
International Religious Freedom Concerns
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has welcomed the Trump administration’s designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern. Beyond the immediate violence against Christians, USCIRF has raised concerns regarding the legal framework in Nigeria, specifically the enforcement of blasphemy statutes across multiple states. These laws contribute to an environment where religious minorities face systematic legal and extrajudicial persecution.