According to the Premium Times report on Saturday November 8, 2025, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has issued a warning to the Nigerian government, stating, “Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists.” This declaration, made amid reports of evolving violence against Christian communities in northern Nigeria, culminating growing international concern over religious freedom in the West African nation.
Hegseth’s stance follows directives from President Donald Trump to explore military options in response to claims of systematic persecution and genocide targeting Christians. The statement has heightened diplomatic tensions, positioning the U.S. as a potential intervener in Nigeria’s internal security challenges, which have long been characterized by insurgent activities from groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militias.
The U.S. Department of War has reportedly developed a range of contingency plans for potential action deep into Northern Nigeria, spanning from targeted airstrikes to full-scale drone warfare operations. These “options” include deploying aircraft carrier groups for heavy bombardment, unmanned aerial vehicle strikes on militant camps, and lighter support measures such as intelligence sharing and training for Nigerian forces.
Officials describe the preparations as tiered responses, designed to neutralize threats posed by Islamist extremists accused of orchestrating attacks on Christian villages. This buildup reflects a broader U.S. policy shift under the current administration, which has designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for severe violations of religious freedom, leading to suspended arms sales and increased scrutiny.
At the core of this escalation lies an unverified claim circulated by Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, a prominent Christian leader in Plateau State, who alleged the discovery of mass graves containing hundreds of Christian victims in recent attacks. Dachomo’s video testimony, shared widely on social media, prompted urgent appeals for U.S. intervention and fueled narratives of genocide.
However, Nigerian authorities and independent investigators have questioned the veracity of these reports, citing a lack of forensic evidence and suggesting the footage may stem from older conflicts or staged propaganda. Critics argue that such unconfirmed assertions risk inflaming ethnic and religious divides, complicating efforts to address the multifaceted drivers of violence, including land disputes and resource scarcity in the Middle Belt region.
Nigerian officials have firmly rejected the U.S. threats, emphasizing that the federal government is committed to protecting all citizens regardless of faith and that violence in the north affects Muslims and Christians alike. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed “profound dismay” at the prospect of foreign military involvement, warning that it could destabilize the region further and undermine ongoing counter-terrorism collaborations. View, More,
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