By DAYO ADESULU
Former U.S. President Renews Pressure on Abuja Over Worsening Religious Violence
Former United States President Donald Trump has sharply condemned the Nigerian government, insisting that the killings of Christians across several states amount to genocide. Speaking on a conservative radio programme on Friday — remarks later amplified by Fox News — Trump said the scale of bloodshed shows a country unable or unwilling to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
In an unusually forceful tone, he declared: “Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace. They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it.”
The comments have reignited global concern and placed fresh scrutiny on Abuja’s handling of religiously-motivated violence. They also reinforce the key issue dominating international discussions: Trump says killings of Christians in Nigeria is genocide, a phrase rapidly gaining traction across policy circles.
U.S. Signals Possible Policy Shift Over Nigeria’s Security Failures
Trump reminded listeners that during his administration, Washington designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution. He warned that the United States might escalate its response if the government fails to halt attacks on Christian communities.
“We give a lot of subsidies to Nigeria. We’re going to end up stopping,” he said, suggesting that American financial assistance may be suspended. He also repeated earlier warnings that the U.S. could intervene militarily against extremist groups should Nigerian authorities “refuse to do more.”
The renewed rhetoric marks a significant diplomatic moment. It reinforces how international partners increasingly frame the crisis: Trump says killings of Christians in Nigeria is genocide, and his remarks will likely pressure other Western governments to reassess their positions.
U.S. War Department Confirms Heightened Engagement With Abuja
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the United States War Department is now working “aggressively” with Nigerian security officials to address what it describes as jihadist terrorist attacks against Christians.
The U.S. Secretary of the War Department wrote on X that he met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss the “horrific violence against Christians.”
“Under @POTUS leadership, DOW is working aggressively with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists,” the statement read.
The message followed a pivotal meeting in Washington between Congressman Riley M. Moore and a high-level Nigerian delegation. The delegation included Ribadu; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede; and other top intelligence and diplomatic officials.
Nigeria Requests Support, Shares Security Challenges
According to the U.S. release, the discussions were “honest, frank, and productive,” touching on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and protection of vulnerable communities.
Nigeria’s representatives outlined the government’s challenges in curbing insurgency and banditry, while also cautioning against narratives that oversimplify the country’s security complexities.
Nevertheless, Congressman Moore stressed that Washington “will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or any form of religious persecution,” adding that Trump’s public statements reflect a growing bipartisan impatience with Abuja’s slow response.
As Moore put it: “President Trump does not make idle threats.” He vowed to continue monitoring the situation and push Nigeria to strengthen cooperation with the United States.
Global Reactions Mount as Pressure Intensifies
Trump’s broadcast has already triggered widespread debate online and within diplomatic circles. Christian groups across Europe and North America have renewed calls for sanctions, and analysts warn that Trump’s framing — Trump says killings of Christians in Nigeria is genocide — could shape future U.S.–Nigeria relations.
Human-rights advocates argue that the comments could force Abuja to accelerate reforms, while government supporters describe Trump’s language as inflammatory and dismissive of Nigeria’s complex security environment.
Despite this, the message resonates with a growing international audience concerned about mass displacement, village attacks and targeted assassinations reported in states such as Plateau, Benue, Kaduna and Borno.
What Comes Next?
Nigeria now faces heightened scrutiny from Washington at a time of deep internal security pressure. Whether the government responds publicly to Trump’s accusation — or chooses quiet diplomacy — will determine the next phase of engagement between both countries.
For now, one thing is clear: Trump says killings of Christians in Nigeria is genocide, and his words have once again put Nigeria in the centre of global attention.
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