By Admin 
US President Donald Trump has warned that if large-scale killing of Christians continues in Nigeria, America may deploy troops there or conduct airstrikes. Trump told reporters on Air Force One while returning from Florida on Sunday night that he had instructed the Department of Defense (which he called the Department of War) to be prepared for possible rapid military action.
Trump said, “They are killing Christians in record numbers in Nigeria and we will not let that happen. It will end.” When asked whether American troops could land or there would be an airstrike, he said, “It is possible. I am considering several options.”
Trump had threatened to stop aid
Earlier on Friday, Trump had threatened to stop American aid to Nigeria and had said that if the Nigerian government is unable to protect its Christian community, then America can take direct action with guns-a-blazing. He said, “Christianity in Nigeria is facing an existential crisis and radical Islamic groups are responsible for this.”
This warning of Trump has come after the announcement in which America has again included Nigeria in the list of countries which are violating religious freedom. Countries like China, Russia, Pakistan, North Korea, Myanmar are also included in this list.
Nigeria responded
The Nigerian government has said that it welcomes US help against terrorism, but will not compromise its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Daniel Bwala, an adviser to President Bola Tinubu, said, “We welcome American help, provided it respects our borders and independence.” He also said that Trump’s statement should not be taken too seriously because Trump thinks well of Nigeria.
Nigeria has been in the grip of violence for years
Nigeria has been facing attacks from Islamic terrorist groups Boko Haram and ISWAP for the last several years. At the same time, increasing conflicts between farmers and herders in the northern and central regions of the country have also deepened religious and ethnic tensions. Although Trump’s statement may increase diplomatic tension between the two countries, officials of both the countries are hopeful that cooperation against terrorism and extremism will continue.
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