Trump on Fox News, Says Nigeria Failed to Protect Citizens

Special Report: Trump on Fox News, Says Nigeria Failed to Protect Citizens

In a striking intervention on international affairs, United States President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Nigeria’s handling of security challenges, particularly those affecting Christian communities.

Speaking on Fox News Radio’s The Brian Kilmeade Show, Trump described Nigeria as “a disgrace,” accusing the federal government of failing to protect its citizens from what he termed a genocide. He alleged that Christians were being killed “by the thousands” and warned that U.S. subsidies to Nigeria could be halted if decisive action was not taken.

Trump’s remarks came against the backdrop of a devastating attack in Niger State, where more than 300 children and 12 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School. The incident has heightened global concern about Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, especially in the northern region.

Trump claimed that radical Islamists were responsible for the mass slaughter of Christians and lamented that the issue had not received sufficient international attention until he raised it.

The Nigerian government has firmly rejected Trump’s characterization, insisting that there is no religious persecution in the country. Officials argue that the violence is driven by complex factors including banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes, rather than a targeted campaign against Christians. 

This is not the first time Nigeria has faced such accusations: during Trump’s first tenure, the country was designated a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations, a designation later lifted by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Trump’s comments coincided with diplomatic engagements between Nigerian and American officials. A high-level Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu met with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to discuss strategies for combating jihadist groups and curbing violence against Christians.

According to U.S. officials, the talks emphasized the need for Nigeria to demonstrate commitment and take urgent action to stop the killings.

International voices have also joined the chorus of concern. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attacks on Christian communities, calling them “heinous and unacceptable.” She urged Nigeria to prosecute those responsible and strengthen protections for religious minorities.

Similarly, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore described the situation as “escalating out of control” and urged the Nigerian government to disarm militant groups in the Middle Belt. Moore warned that continued inaction could prompt intervention from Washington.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s determination to eliminate terrorists and bandits, acknowledging that insecurity remains Nigeria’s most pressing challenge.

Tinubu emphasized the need to rebuild trust, restore safety, and reverse the economic decline caused by persistent violence. He has ordered the deployment of a joint task force to rescue abducted schoolchildren and directed the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate operations.

This unfolding crisis underscores the growing international pressure on Nigeria to address its security challenges decisively. Trump’s remarks, though controversial, have amplified global scrutiny and placed Nigeria’s handling of religiously targeted violence at the center of diplomatic discourse.

The coming months will reveal whether Nigeria can balance domestic realities with international expectations, as the world watches closely for tangible progress in protecting its citizens.