Christian Killings: US Lawmaker Downplays Invasion Fear as FG Engages Trump

United States Congressman Bill Huizenga has dismissed fears that President Donald Trump would authorize military action in Nigeria following his recent “guns-blazing” remark, as Nigeria’s Federal Government intensifies diplomatic engagement with Washington.

Huizenga, in an interview on a televised program on Tuesday, said he was surprised by Trump’s statement, adding that it was unlikely the U.S. President’s top priority was a military intervention in Nigeria.

The Michigan lawmaker advised the U.S. administration to apply economic sanctions rather than military force, arguing that financial pressure would be more effective in disrupting terrorist networks.

Sanctions cut off the flow of money and travel. We may not know who exactly funds these operations, but restricting their financial movement would have a positive impact, Huizenga said.

In October, President Trump reportedly ordered the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” over what he called a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.

However, Huizenga emphasized that Trump has “pursued peace rather than expanding war” and would be “very selective” before making any military move.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has confirmed that diplomatic communication channels between Abuja and Washington are now active, noting that “constructive engagement” was ongoing.

“We are talking to them, and I think they are understanding the situation better,” Idris said on a televised platform, according to a statement by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.

The minister alleged that certain lobby groups in the U.S. were being influenced by proscribed separatist organizations in Nigeria, which, he said, were working to misinform American authorities.

“We are seeing a direct connection between U.S.-based lobbyists and a proscribed terrorist organization in Nigeria. They’ve set up networks contacting high-ranking officials in the United States to lobby on their behalf,” he said

Idris reaffirmed that Nigeria values its long-standing partnership with the U.S. and called for continued collaboration in tackling terrorism “Yes, there is conflict and insecurity in Nigeria, but the United States has helped us in the past. We are calling on them to once again partner with us so we can achieve lasting peace,” he added.

He also questioned the credibility of some foreign reports alleging religious intolerance, insisting that the Nigerian constitution guarantees religious freedom and that the nation remains multi-faith.

“Some of these assumptions are based on data that cannot stand scientific scrutiny,” Idris said.