United States President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning that American military action in Nigeria could escalate if violence against Christians does not stop.
Speaking in an interview with The New York Times, Trump confirmed that the US recently carried out a military operation on Christmas Day against Islamic State-linked militants operating in north-west Nigeria. According to reports, the strike was carried out at the request of the Nigerian government.
While the president said he would prefer the operation to remain a single intervention, he made it clear that continued attacks on Christians could trigger further strikes.
“I’d love to make it a one-time strike,” Trump said. “But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike.”
Trump acknowledged that Muslim communities have also suffered casualties in Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis. However, he insisted that Christians remain the primary targets of extremist violence.
“I think Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria,” he said. “But it’s mostly Christians.”
The comments are consistent with Trump’s repeated remarks in recent months, in which he has described the persecution of Christians in Nigeria as severe and time-sensitive. He has previously suggested that the United States could step in militarily if Nigerian authorities are unable to provide adequate protection for vulnerable communities.
Trump Rules Out Pardon for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
In a separate development, President Trump has shut down speculation surrounding a possible presidential pardon for hip-hop executive Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Combs, 56, who is currently serving a multi-year prison sentence following prostitution-related convictions, reportedly reached out directly to the president in a written plea for clemency.
Also Read: Nollywood Stars Hold Service of Songs for Late Actress Allwell Ademola
However, Trump made it clear during the same New York Times interview that he has no intention of granting the request.
According to the president, Combs submitted the appeal after his conviction, but it has not influenced Trump’s position on the matter.
