By Iqrom Tesilim
A recent statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump has triggered a wave of outrage and debate across Nigeria.
In a fiery speech delivered on November 2, 2025, Trump described Nigeria as “a country of particular concern” and threatened possible U.S. military action if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killings of Christians.”
He declared that the U.S. “may very well go into that now disgraced country, gun-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
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The remarks immediately drew strong reactions from both the Nigerian government and the public, with many Nigerians condemning the comments as an attack on the country’s sovereignty.
Responding swiftly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed Trump’s allegations and defended Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of citizens of all faiths.
Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria remains “a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.”
Daniel Bwala, a spokesperson for the President, described Trump’s remarks as “based on misleading reports” and suggested they were consistent with the former U.S. president’s “forceful and provocative communication style.”
Meanwhile, other political figures and commentators have weighed in, further fuelling the controversy.
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, condemned Trump’s statement in strong terms, calling him a “deranged bully” and accusing him of hypocrisy.
He warned that any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty or impose foreign intervention would be met with strong resistance from the people.
Public reactions
The comments have also sparked widespread conversation on social media, dividing opinions among Nigerians. Many users condemned Trump’s statement as reckless and imperialistic, while others saw it as a wake-up call to address the country’s persistent security challenges.
One user wrote, “Nigerians think Trump is going to come, bomb Boko Haram and go. LoL. First they’d sanction Nigeria and do an economic blockade. Many of you will first die from hunger. Then he’d finance terrorists to stress the army and weaken it, then he’d invade, massacre, and occupy.”
Another expressed a different sentiment: “We need all the help we can get to end this genocide.”
Some Christians in Nigeria welcomed Trump’s words, viewing them as a show of solidarity with persecuted believers in the country’s northern region.
A few users praised him for “speaking boldly” about an issue they believe has been neglected by the international community.
Official government position
In response to the controversy, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with international partners in combating terrorism while insisting that national security remains an internal affair.
President Tinubu’s office released a statement assuring citizens that the government “will continue to defend all Nigerians, irrespective of race, creed, or religion, while maintaining the nation’s independence and dignity.”
Security experts have urged both nations to avoid escalating rhetoric and instead focus on diplomatic engagement and coordinated action against extremism.
As reactions continue to pour in, Trump’s comments have reignited discussions about Nigeria’s religious tensions, security challenges, and the delicate balance between international concern and national sovereignty.
