US Defense Department Considers Possible Actions in Nigeria Following Trump's Escalatory Remarks

SadaNews - CNN reported that the US Department of Defense (the Pentagon) received a request to develop various contingency plans regarding Nigeria, following President Donald Trump's threats to deploy forces to stop what he described as "the persecution of Christians".

The White House stated that the Department of Defense is planning, under Trump's direction, potential options to stop the "killing of Christians" in Nigeria, and that any announcements regarding Nigeria will be made directly by President Trump, according to CNN.

Members of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) were unexpectedly summoned following Trump's post.

CNN reported that two sources disclosed that Trump was en route to Florida last Friday when he saw a report on Fox News about the targeting of Christians in Nigeria.

One source added that Trump "immediately became furious" and requested more information regarding the targeting of Christians there. Another source stated that the president's threats aim to gauge Nigeria's reaction.

Trump stated on Sunday that the US military could deploy forces in Nigeria or carry out airstrikes to stop what he described as the killing of large numbers of Christians in the African nation.

Trump threatened on Saturday to take military action against Nigeria, the most populous African country, if it did not take strict measures to "stop the killing of Christians".

Nigeria Shocked

In contrast, the Nigerian presidency expressed its shock at Trump's consideration of invading the country.

Daniel Bwala, an advisor to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, told Reuters that Abuja welcomes US assistance as long as it respects its territorial integrity.

Bwala sought to ease tensions between the two nations, despite Trump's labeling of Nigeria as a country in "shame".

He said, "We do not take what is said literally because we know that Donald Trump holds Nigeria in high regard". He added, "I am confident that by the time these two leaders meet and sit down, there will be better outcomes in our joint commitment to combat terrorism".

Trump's threat of military intervention came a day after his administration reinstated Nigeria to the "Countries of Particular Concern" list, which the United States states are violating religious freedoms.

Nigerian President Tinubu, a Muslim from southern Nigeria married to a Christian, responded on Saturday to accusations of religious intolerance and defended his country's efforts to protect religious freedoms.

Ethnic Diversity

Nigeria's population exceeds 220 million according to statistics from the World Bank Group 2023, distributed among approximately 250 ethnic groups.

More than half of the population practices Islam, which reached Nigeria in the 11th century, predominantly in the north of the country, while Christians constitute the majority of the other half in the south, with a minority adhering to other religions.

In recent years, Plateau and other "Middle Belt" states have witnessed bloody clashes between predominantly Christian farmers and Fulani Muslim herders, against the backdrop of dwindling resources and lands.

According to Agence France-Presse, these violent acts have resulted in the deaths of hundreds, mostly among farmers, with entire villages turned to ashes.

Additionally, retaliatory attacks targeting herdsmen or their livestock have also caused casualties, but the media has not substantially highlighted them.

The French agency reported that experts indicated the conflict seemingly revolves around ethnic and religious issues, yet its underlying causes are deeper and rooted in poor land management and a lack of authority in rural areas.

Some residents of Plateau State indicate that a "genocide" is being perpetrated on more ethnic than religious grounds.

On another front, Nigeria also faces armed opposition from the group Boko Haram in its northeastern regions, and armed groups active in the northwest. These predominantly Muslim areas witness a significant number of violence-related casualties.

Source: Agencies