U.S. President Donald Trump has described Nigeria as “a disgrace,” accusing the government of failing to protect Christian communities from extremist violence.
Speaking on a conservative radio programme in Washington on Friday night, Trump alleged that thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria, which he termed “genocide.”
He warned that the United States could halt subsidies to Nigeria and consider military action against Islamist militants if the government does not intensify efforts to stop the attacks.
“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,” Trump said.
The U.S. president’s comments reinforce his administration’s narrative that Christians in Nigeria are being uniquely targeted, a claim that has gained traction among right-wing groups in America.
Analysts, however, note that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex, with both Christian and Muslim communities suffering mass casualties from Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and other armed groups.
Nigeria has battled insurgency in the North-East for more than a decade, alongside widespread communal clashes and kidnappings across several regions.
The Federal Government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen security operations and provide relief to affected communities.
There was no immediate response from Nigerian officials to Trump’s latest remarks
