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US President Donald Trump’s surprise order to prepare for possible military action against Nigeria has caused confusion among Pentagon officials and raised questions about his shifting foreign policy priorities. The announcement, posted late Saturday on Truth Social, accused Nigeria’s government of allowing the killing of Christians — a claim Nigeria’s authorities have already rejected.
What Happened
In his online post, Trump warned that any US strikes against Nigeria would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.” When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One whether he envisioned air strikes or ground troops, Trump replied ambiguously: “Could be… I envisage a lot of things.”
His comments followed the administration’s decision to place Nigeria on the “Countries of Particular Concern” list for alleged violations of religious freedom. According to White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, Trump acted out of concern for what he viewed as “an existential threat” facing Christians in Nigeria.
However, several Pentagon officials who spoke to Reuters said they were “learning about this at the same time,” suggesting that no formal military planning had begun.
Military and Strategic Context
Nigeria is more than 2,000 miles from Djibouti, the site of America’s only permanent military base in Africa. Analysts said any operation would require new intelligence networks and resources to target Islamist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP effectively.
Defence officials said Trump’s sudden shift revived issues once seen as secondary — including nuclear testing, cocaine trafficking, and military buildup near Venezuela — leaving the Pentagon unsure of the administration’s long-term strategy.
Background on Nigeria’s Conflict
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has battled extremist violence for more than 15 years.
Groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have killed thousands, mostly in the Muslim-majority Northeast.
In central Nigeria, Christian farmers and Muslim herders frequently clash over land and water, while armed bandits in the Northwest continue to kidnap villagers for ransom.
Despite these realities, experts noted that most victims of extremist attacks are Muslim, though some regions have seen Christians disproportionately affected.
“At the very least, Trump raises awareness of an issue long ignored,” said former US envoy J. Peter Pham, who served during Trump’s first term.
Official and Expert Reactions
Evangelical leader Gary Bauer told Reuters that lobbying by Christian groups influenced Trump’s decision.
But other analysts warned that framing Nigeria’s security crisis as a religious war could inflame tensions and damage US–Africa relations.
Former Trump adviser Victoria Coates said Nigeria must maintain stability to reassure oil companies operating there, calling the situation “pretty dire.”
At the Pentagon, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, known for hosting prayer meetings for Christian staff, has not commented publicly.
Wider Foreign Policy Moves
Trump’s Nigeria order came just three days after he startled the world by urging the US military to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons,” claiming the country must not fall behind Russia and China.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright later clarified that the move would not involve nuclear explosions but rather system integrity tests.
The Nigeria statement, along with Trump’s revived focus on Venezuelan military operations and anti-drug campaigns, has left observers questioning the direction of his broader global agenda.
