US CONSIDERS SANCTIONS AGAINST NIGERIA – Washington reviews measures to protect Christians in Nigeria
A senior U.S. State Department official said the United States is considering sanctions and Pentagon engagement to push Nigeria to better protect Christian communities and religious freedom.
Nigeria faces scrutiny from U.S. President Donald Trump, who in early November threatened military action over the treatment of Christians. Nigeria says claims of persecution misrepresent a complex security situation and overlook efforts to safeguard religious freedom.
Washington is primarily reviewing Nigeria’s security deployment, asset use, and intelligence-sharing. In October, Trump added Nigeria back to a “Countries of Particular Concern” list, halted U.S. aid, and said he asked the Defence Department to prepare for possible “fast” military action if killings of Christians continue.
Nigeria, home to 200 ethnic groups practising Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions, has mostly experienced peaceful coexistence, except in the North and North East, where Boko Haram has terrorised the region, killing tens of thousands of Muslims and Christians over 15 years.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu sent his national security adviser to Washington to meet Trump administration officials and U.S. lawmakers.
