ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to provide strategic military assistance rather than threaten invasion, following his claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
SDP National Chairman Shehu Gabam said in a statement that Nigeria needs support through intelligence sharing, equipment, and training—not unilateral military action. He described Trump’s remarks as reckless and warned that such rhetoric could destabilize the country.
Trump had accused the Nigerian government of allowing the killing of Christians and suggested that the United States might halt aid and consider military intervention.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation,” Gabam said. “We reject any attempt to politicize our internal security challenges.”
Religious leaders have voiced concern that Trump’s framing could inflame sectarian tensions. Bishop Matthew Kukah, a prominent Catholic cleric, said the country’s security crisis is real but not a religious war. “We must not allow foreign narratives to divide us further,” he said.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also urged restraint, emphasizing that while attacks on Christian communities are troubling, solutions must come through diplomacy and internal reform, not foreign intervention.
Online, reactions were divided. Some Nigerians welcomed international attention to religious violence, while others warned against foreign interference. Hashtags like #HandsOffNigeria and #SupportNotInvasion gained traction.
While the U.S. State Department has not confirmed any formal plans for military action, the episode has reignited debate over how best to address Nigeria’s security challenges—and who should be involved.
