US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Nigeria on Friday, describing the country as “a disgrace” and accusing the government of failing to stop extremist groups responsible for mass killings and kidnappings.
Trump, speaking on a conservative radio programme, claimed that Christian communities are facing “genocide” in parts of northern Nigeria and warned that the US could halt financial support or even consider military measures if the Nigerian government “does nothing.”
“Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace,” Trump said. “They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide, and I’m really angry about it. And we give a lot of money to Nigeria. We’re going to end up stopping.”
His remarks echo comments he made during a US media segment earlier in the week, where he criticised Nigeria’s response to repeated school attacks and church assaults.
In that segment, Trump said the Nigerian government had been “very ineffective,” adding that militants were “killing Christians at will.”
The renewed outcry follows multiple attacks in northwestern Nigeria, including the kidnapping of students from a Catholic secondary school in Niger and the abduction of worshippers in Kwara.
Recent incidents form part of years of violence involving jihadist groups like Boko Haram and factions aligned with ISIS, responsible for thousands of deaths across Christian and Muslim communities.
Nigeria has long grappled with ethnoreligious conflict, with analysts noting that victims cut across both faiths.
Still, narratives depicting Christians as uniquely targeted have gained traction in US conservative circles, amplified by Trump and some advocacy groups.
A State Department official told US lawmakers this week that the administration is developing measures to “compel” Nigerian authorities to strengthen protection for religious communities.
