Trump Warns Of More US Strikes In Nigeria Over Killings

President Donald Trump has sent a clear message to Nigeria, indicating that the Christmas Day military operation against Islamic State militants may not be the last. In an interview with The New York Times, Trump expressed his willingness to use military force again if the violence against Christian communities does not stop. The President’s tone suggests a shift toward a more interventionist approach in West Africa, framing the issue as a matter of religious freedom and global security.

The Christmas Day strike, which the Nigerian government initially described as a "joint operation" against terrorists, has now become a central point of debate. Trump revealed that while he would prefer a single intervention, the persistence of extremist violence could lead to a sustained campaign. His comments have sparked conversations about the sovereignty of Nigerian airspace and the specific motivations behind US military involvement.

Trump’s rhetoric has focused heavily on the protection of Christians, though his own advisers have noted that extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa kill thousands of Muslims as well. When pressed on this, Trump maintained his stance, suggesting that the primary target of these atrocities is the Christian population. This narrative has drawn both praise from some quarters and criticism from others who fear it may oversimplify a complex conflict.

​The Nigerian government has historically denied that Christians face systematic persecution, instead categorizing the violence as a broader security challenge affecting all citizens. However, Trump’s latest warnings suggest that Washington’s patience is wearing thin. The threat of "many-time strikes" places a new kind of pressure on the Nigerian administration to contain the insurgency in the North.

​As the situation develops, international observers are watching closely to see how Abuja will respond to this public ultimatum. The balance between accepting foreign military aid and maintaining national pride is becoming increasingly delicate. For many Nigerians, the fear of more strikes brings a mix of hope for an end to the violence and anxiety over foreign bombs falling on their soil.