Trump threatens to cut Nigeria aid over Christian killings, persecution

President Donald Trump introduced Saturday that the US will instantly reduce off all assist and help to Nigeria if the federal government continues to permit the killing of Christians, presumably even coming into the nation with firearms to totally eradicate the Islamic terrorists accountable.

“I hereby direct our Division of Battle to organize for attainable motion,” Trump wrote in a Reality Social put up. “If we assault, it will likely be swift, merciless and candy, similar to the terrorist thugs are attacking our BELOVED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!”

The put up comes after the president on Friday labeled Nigeria a “nation of particular curiosity,” citing widespread killings of Christians.

I AM A CHRISTIAN FROM NIGER. Don’t ignore the horrific assaults on African Christians

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stated the nation has taken motion to make sure spiritual freedom. (Ton Molina/Getty Photographs)

“Christianity faces an existential menace in Nigeria,” Trump wrote on Reality Social Friday. “Hundreds of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are answerable for this bloodbath. I hereby declare Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ – however that’s the least of it.”

He stated Rep. Riley Moore, R-W. Va., Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., and members of the Home Appropriations Committee have been ordered to analyze the stories and submit the findings to him at a later date.

“America can’t stand by whereas such atrocities happen in Nigeria and plenty of different nations,” Trump wrote. “We stand prepared, keen and capable of save our nice Christian inhabitants around the globe!”

WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO INCREASE IN CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION CRISIS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Pope Leo XIV condemned the homicide of as much as 200 folks in Nigeria’s Yelewata neighborhood. (Related Press)

The persecution of Christians in Nigeria has reached disaster ranges as Islamic militants burn villages, slaughter worshipers and displace hundreds of individuals within the northern and central areas.

Attackers invaded a bishop’s village in June, days after he testified earlier than Congress, killing greater than 20 folks.

Different assaults in Plateau and Benue states have left tons of useless. Survivors describe militants shouting “Allahu Akbar” as they set hearth to church buildings and houses.

Members of St. Leo Catholic Church maintain a procession to mark Palm Sunday in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria on April 13, 2025. (Adekunle Ajayi/Getty Photographs)

Worldwide watchdog group Open Doorways reported that just about 70% of Christians killed for his or her religion final 12 months have been in Nigeria.

Teams resembling Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) and Fulani militants have been blamed for a lot of the assaults, typically concentrating on Christian farmers. Rights teams estimate 4,000 to eight,000 Christian deaths yearly.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, informed Fox Information Digital that fifty,000 Christians have been murdered and 20,000 Christian colleges and church buildings destroyed within the nation since 2009. He known as it “a disaster of non secular genocide.”

Mark Walker, Trump’s ambassador-designate for Worldwide Spiritual Freedom, urged stronger U.S. stress on the Nigerian authorities and known as the violence a humanitarian disaster. He additionally pledged to work with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to strengthen U.S. advocacy.

I used to be kidnapped by Boko Haram and survived. NO THANKS TO THE SILENCE OF THE WEST

The White Home and world leaders have condemned the violence and warned it may unfold throughout Africa. Nevertheless, Nigerian officers have denied systematic persecution, calling US stories “deceptive.”

Hours earlier than Trump’s menace Saturday, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu posted a press release on X, noting that Nigeria “stands firmly” as a democracy ruled by constitutional ensures of non secular freedom.

“Since 2023, our authorities has maintained an open and energetic engagement with each Christian and Muslim leaders and continues to deal with safety challenges affecting residents from all faiths and areas,” Tinubu wrote within the assertion. “The characterization of Nigeria as religiously illiberal doesn’t mirror our nationwide actuality, nor does it keep in mind the federal government’s constant and honest efforts to make sure freedom of faith and perception for all Nigerians. Spiritual freedom and tolerance have been and all the time might be a core tenet of our collective identification.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“Nigeria opposes and doesn’t encourage spiritual persecution,” he continued. “Nigeria is a rustic with constitutional ensures to guard residents of all faiths. Our authorities is dedicated to working with the US authorities and the worldwide neighborhood to deepen understanding and cooperation on defending communities of all faiths.”

Efrat Lachter and Sophia Compton of Fox Information Digital contributed to this report.