US President Donald Trump has ordered a military invasion of Nigeria, citing claims that Christian communities are under attack by Islamist extremist groups. The move comes after weeks of pressure from conservative lawmakers and Christian groups who have called for US intervention in the 15-year-old conflict between Boko Haram and the Nigerian government.
Trump's decision is based on his claim that the Nigerian government has failed to protect its citizens, particularly Christians, from being killed by militant groups. He warned that if the Nigerian government does not take action, he will "immediately stop all aid and assistance" to the country.
The US plan for intervention in Nigeria would involve sending troops into the country or conducting air strikes, with Trump stating that it would be a swift and decisive operation. However, human rights groups have disputed this claim, saying that there is no evidence to suggest that Christians are being killed more frequently than Muslims in Nigeria.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that preparations for military action are underway, while an advisor to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the US decision to provide military support. However, he emphasized the importance of respecting Nigeria's territorial integrity and working together to combat terrorism.
This is not the first time Trump has expressed concern about Christians in Nigeria. He had previously described the country as a "Country of Particular Concern", citing persecution of Christians by the government. Trump claimed that his administration was willing to take action to protect its Christian citizens around the world, but it remains to be seen how effective such intervention will be.
Critics have accused Trump's decision to threaten military intervention in Nigeria without consulting with other countries or organizations as being reckless and impulsive. The move has also sparked questions about the US role in the conflict and whether it is a legitimate cause for military action.
Trump's decision is based on his claim that the Nigerian government has failed to protect its citizens, particularly Christians, from being killed by militant groups. He warned that if the Nigerian government does not take action, he will "immediately stop all aid and assistance" to the country.
The US plan for intervention in Nigeria would involve sending troops into the country or conducting air strikes, with Trump stating that it would be a swift and decisive operation. However, human rights groups have disputed this claim, saying that there is no evidence to suggest that Christians are being killed more frequently than Muslims in Nigeria.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that preparations for military action are underway, while an advisor to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the US decision to provide military support. However, he emphasized the importance of respecting Nigeria's territorial integrity and working together to combat terrorism.
This is not the first time Trump has expressed concern about Christians in Nigeria. He had previously described the country as a "Country of Particular Concern", citing persecution of Christians by the government. Trump claimed that his administration was willing to take action to protect its Christian citizens around the world, but it remains to be seen how effective such intervention will be.
Critics have accused Trump's decision to threaten military intervention in Nigeria without consulting with other countries or organizations as being reckless and impulsive. The move has also sparked questions about the US role in the conflict and whether it is a legitimate cause for military action.