U.S. Weighs Military Options and Sanctions Over Alleged Attacks on Christians in Nigeria

The U.S. government is drafting a plan that could include sanctions and possible military engagement to pressure Nigeria to better protect Christian communities, a senior State Department official said this week. The move follows public threats from President Donald Trump and comes amid growing concern in Washington about violence affecting civilians across Nigeria.

U.S. options under consideration

Jonathan Pratt, a senior official in the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, testified to the House Foreign Affairs Committee that the administration’s proposal would examine a range of measures. Those include diplomatic and financial pressure through the State Department and the U.S. Treasury, as well as potential counterterrorism involvement by U.S. defense forces.

“The Trump administration is developing a plan to incentivize and compel the Nigerian government to better protect Christian communities and improve religious freedom,” Pratt said. “This plan will consider U.S. State and Treasury engagement on sanctions, as well as possible Department of War engagement on counterterrorism and other efforts to protect religious communities.”

The administration frames its objective as safeguarding religious freedom and protecting vulnerable communities. Officials are weighing whether sanctions or expanded security cooperation would be more effective at prompting the Nigerian government to act.

Pentagon talks with Nigerian officials

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine held high-level talks at the Pentagon with a Nigerian delegation led by national security adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. According to a Defense Department readout, U.S. officials emphasized the need for Nigeria to demonstrate commitment and to take both urgent and sustained measures to reduce violence against civilians.

Political context and public comments

Representative Riley Moore (R-WV), speaking at a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa hearing, said Nigeria can strengthen relations with the United States if it prioritizes protection for at-risk communities. He acknowledged that victims include non-Christians as well, but described what he characterized as a targeted campaign against Christian communities.

Earlier this month President Trump posted on Truth Social that if Nigeria does not halt the alleged persecution of Christians, he might deploy troops “guns-a-blazing” to “completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.” He added he was “instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action.”

Note: the phrase “Department of War” used by the president is informal; U.S. military operations are conducted by the Department of Defense and associated agencies.

Nigerian response

The Nigerian government has denied allegations of systematic, targeted persecution. President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the country faces serious security challenges that affect citizens across faiths and regions, and said he is committed to working with the United States and the international community to protect all communities.

As Washington continues to weigh diplomatic, financial and security options, officials say any action will be intended to pressure the Nigerian government to improve protection for vulnerable populations while avoiding unintended escalation. Further consultations between U.S. and Nigerian officials are expected in the coming weeks.