The Trump administration is turning up the pressure on Nigeria to stop the brutal attacks against Christians. President Donald Trump has made it clear: the United States will not sit by while innocent people are being killed for their faith. His message to the Nigerian government is simple—take action now, or risk losing American aid.
For years, Nigeria has faced growing violence from Islamist terrorist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province. These groups are behind countless kidnappings, church attacks, and mass killings. Their targets are often Christian communities, especially in the northern and central parts of the country. Last week, gunmen attacked a Catholic school, kidnapping more than 300 children and a dozen teachers. In another attack, armed men stormed a church, killing two people and kidnapping others during Sunday service.
President Trump called the situation a “disgrace” and made it clear that he’s willing to take strong measures. “What’s happening in Nigeria is a disgrace,” he said in a recent radio interview. “I’m really angry about it.” He has even warned of cutting off all U.S. aid to Nigeria if the violence continues. That aid currently totals hundreds of millions of dollars each year, much of it for military assistance, health programs, and humanitarian relief.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Nigeria last week for high-level talks with Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. According to the Pentagon, Hegseth pushed for “urgent and enduring action” to stop the attacks. He also told Nigerian leaders that the United States is ready to work “by, with, and through” Nigeria to fight the terrorist groups responsible. That means the U.S. could expand intelligence sharing, training, and even military operations if necessary.
At the same time, the U.S. is organizing international support to pressure Nigeria. Ambassador Mike Waltz hosted an event at the United Nations this week to draw attention to what he called “genocide wearing the mask of chaos.” The event featured speakers from across the political and cultural spectrum, including pop star Nicki Minaj, who spoke about the importance of religious freedom.
The U.S. government is also looking at the bigger picture. Jonathan Pratt, head of the State Department’s Africa Bureau, told Congress that any action won’t just be military. “This would span from security to policing to economic,” he said. The goal is a long-term plan that tackles the root causes of terrorism and lawlessness in Nigeria.
Why does this matter to the United States? First, injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere. But more directly, terrorist groups like Boko Haram have pledged loyalty to al-Qaeda and ISIS. They are part of the same global jihadist network that has targeted Americans both at home and abroad. If Nigeria becomes a failed state, it could turn into a safe haven for terrorists, just like Afghanistan did before 9/11.
Second, religious freedom is a core American value. The United States was founded on the idea that people should be free to worship without fear. When Christians are hunted down simply for their faith, it is not just Nigeria’s problem—it’s a threat to the values we hold dear.
President Trump’s approach is clear: America will not reward governments that allow Christian persecution to continue. The administration is willing to use every tool—diplomatic, economic, and military—to protect innocent lives and promote stability in Africa.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. It can confront the growing terrorist threat, or it can continue down a dangerous path of violence and chaos. Either way, the United States is watching—and ready to act.