The Trump administration has stepped up efforts to collaborate with Nigeria’s government to address and curb the escalating violence targeting Christians in the country. This move forms part of a broader and more comprehensive U.S. strategy, which goes beyond military intervention, despite President Donald Trump’s earlier warnings of a possible “guns-a-blazing” military approach to eliminate Islamic militants in the region.
A senior State Department official recently outlined the administration’s expansive plan that involves a mix of diplomatic tools, including the possibility of imposing sanctions on Nigeria, as well as assistance programs and intelligence sharing to help the Nigerian government tackle the violence. These efforts reflect a multifaceted approach aimed at addressing the complex security challenges in Nigeria, rather than relying solely on military force.
In a demonstration of this commitment, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Nigeria’s national security adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss strategies to stop the ongoing violence. The meeting, highlighted by photos of the two officials shaking hands and smiling, contrasts with President Trump’s earlier threats to cut all U.S. aid to Nigeria if its government continued to permit the killing of Christians. Despite these tensions, the administration appears to be pursuing a cooperative path with Nigerian authorities.
This initiative aligns with President Trump’s broader aim to reduce American involvement in foreign conflicts, especially given that the U.S. military footprint in Africa has been shrinking. Many military partnerships in the region have been scaled back or canceled, meaning that any direct intervention in Nigeria would likely require redeploying forces from other parts of the world. The administration’s approach seems to balance a desire to avoid deeper military entanglements with the urgent need to address the violence.
The violence in Nigeria has drawn significant attention, especially as attacks on schools and churches have increased. President Trump expressed frustration over the situation during a recent interview on Fox News Radio’s “Brian Kilmeade Show,” accusing the Nigerian government of inaction and calling the situation “a disgrace.” However, Nigerian officials have disputed these accusations, maintaining that their government is committed to security and stability.
Following his meeting with Ribadu, Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized on social media the Pentagon’s active collaboration with Nigeria to end the persecution of Christians by jihadist terrorists. The Pentagon confirmed that Hegseth stressed the importance of Nigeria’s commitment to urgent and sustained actions to halt violence, while expressing the U.S. Department of Defense’s willingness to work closely “by, with, and through” Nigerian authorities to combat terrorist threats that also pose risks to the United States.
At a congressional hearing, Jonathan Pratt, head of the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, elaborated on the administration’s comprehensive plan. He mentioned that “possible Department of War engagement” was on the table, with discussions ongoing at the National Security Council, which advises the president on national security matters. Pratt stressed that the strategy would be broad, encompassing security, policing, and economic initiatives, with the ultimate goal of achieving the best possible outcomes through a range of tools, including sanctions.
The situation in Nigeria is far more complex than the narrative of religious persecution alone. Militant Islamist groups such as Boko Haram have targeted both Christians and Muslims, while local conflicts between mainly Muslim herders and predominantly Christian farmers over land and water resources have further fueled violence. Armed bandits motivated by financial gain have also engaged in kidnappings for ransom, frequently targeting schools, thereby exacerbating the security crisis.
In recent weeks, the violence has included two significant school kidnappings—one at a Catholic institution and another in a Muslim-majority town—alongside attacks on churches, resulting in deaths and abductions. These incidents have triggered growing global concern. Notably, rapper Nicki Minaj spoke at a United Nations event organized by the U.S., emphasizing that no group should be persecuted for their religious beliefs.
If the Trump administration opts for military intervention, it would face logistical challenges due to the diminished U.S. presence in the region. The withdrawal of U.S. forces from neighboring Niger and their removal from a French base near Chad’s capital last year have reduced available resources in West Africa. Potential support would need to come from distant locations such as Djibouti in the Horn of Africa or smaller cooperative security locations in countries like Ghana and Senegal. However, these sites are typically too small to support a large-scale operation in Nigeria.
The security environment in West Africa has also become increasingly unstable following a series of coups that have resulted in military juntas expelling former Western