Russia raises concern over Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria
The Russian Government has expressed concern over recent remarks by Donald Trump, President of United States, suggesting possible U.S. military action in Nigeria, saying it is closely monitoring the situation and urging all parties to act in accordance with international law.
At a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Maria Zakharova, the foreign ministry spokeswoman said Russia was “closely monitoring this issue and calls on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms.”
Zakharova’s comments came in response to a question from Anadolu news agency regarding Trump’s statement that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare “options for possible military measures” in Nigeria.
Trump claimed the move was intended to protect Christian communities from terrorist attacks.
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“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” Zakharova reiterated, warning against actions that could heighten global tensions or undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform last Friday, claimed that Christianity in Nigeria faced an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups.
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“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby designating Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern,’” he wrote.
He added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” pledging that his administration would be “ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world.”
Trump further said he had instructed Congressman Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the situation and report back to him.
The Nigerian Government swiftly dismissed Trump’s claims, describing them as exaggerated and misleading.
President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting religious freedom and upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of faith.
