Trump warns of more Nigeria strikes if Christians 'continue to be killed'

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 9, 2026 at 03:42 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

In an interview, former U.S. President Donald Trump warned of potential future airstrikes in Nigeria if the killing of Christians continues. This statement follows U.S. airstrikes on December 25th targeting Islamist militants in Sokoto state, northern Nigeria. Trump claimed the strikes were in response to the killing of Christians, though the Nigerian government maintains that both Christians and Muslims are targeted in the region's ongoing violence, largely due to jihadist groups like Boko Haram and IS-affiliated groups. While Trump acknowledged that Muslims are also victims, he asserted that Christians are primarily targeted. The U.S. strikes hit camps run by Lakurawa, a jihadist group with links to IS in the Sahel region, though IS has not claimed any connection to the group.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Yusuf 30% Niger 40% Boko Haram 50% Sahel ×250% Islamic State (IS) ×360% Sokoto state ×260% Lakurawa ×360% United States ×370% Donald Trump ×590% Nigeria ×12100%

Keywords

nigeria 100% donald trump 90% airstrikes 80% christians 80% islamist militants 70% jihadist groups 70% religious violence 60% boko haram 50% islamic state 50% sokoto state 40%