Fears of a potential US military intervention in Nigeria have been downplayed by a United States Congressman, who revealed that economic sanctions, not an armed invasion, are the more likely response from the Trump administration. This comes as the Nigerian government confirms that high-level diplomatic talks are underway to de-escalate tensions.
The clarification follows a recent threat by former US President Donald Trump, who stated he had ordered the Department of War to prepare for "possible action" in Nigeria and threatened to go "guns-a-blazing" over alleged Christian killings.
According to US Congressman Bill Huizenga in an interview with Arise TV, a full-scale military intervention is unlikely. “I too was surprised by the comments... I suspect that that is not a high priority of having actual military intervention, specifically in Nigeria,” Huizenga stated. He suggested Trump's ultimate goal is to stop the violence. “I think he does want to make sure that, from his view, the genocide that is happening specifically against Christians, but also others in Nigeria, needs to stop.”
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Huizenga outlined what he believes is the real strategy: “I would first and foremost encourage them to look at the economic pressure and sanctions on both individuals and organisations. I think that would be the most effective... Sanctions really cut off the flow of money, cut off the flow of travel.”
On the Nigerian side, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that diplomatic channels are active. In an interview on Sky News, Idris stated, “Channels of communication have been opened, I can confirm that; we are talking to them, and I think they are understanding the situation better.”
Idris attributed the tension to misinformation, alleging that “certain lobby groups in the US are linked to a proscribed separatist organisation in Nigeria.” He reaffirmed Nigeria's desire for partnership, saying, “We are calling on them to partner with us once again, to help push this, and then we have peace once and for all in our country.”
Meanwhile, former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Kalu, broke ranks to support Trump's concern. “It’s not a lie because he said the truth. Nigerians are being killed whether they are Christians or Muslims,” Kalu told reporters at the National Assembly. He hinted at possible intelligence sharing, noting, “You can see that the Nigerian Air Force is already acting, possibly using information shared by the U.S. to bomb terrorist hideouts.”
Adding to the discourse, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) urged President Tinubu to leverage any international support offered. In a statement, the group called on the government to “engage diplomatic relations to freeze the assets of individuals and groups financing terrorism.”
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