Why is Trump threatening to go “guns-a-blazing” into Nigeria?

Donald Trump has threatened to send U.S. troops into Nigeria "guns-a-blazing" to combat Islamic terrorists if the Nigerian government fails to protect Christians. This statement, made on Truth Social, reflects a broader pattern of Trump using threats of military force to align with his domestic political priorities, specifically appealing to his evangelical Christian base. The situation in Nigeria stems from a long-standing insurgency by Boko Haram and its offshoots in the north, as well as intercommunal violence between Muslim herders and Christian farmers in other regions. Critics accuse the Nigerian government of neglecting the plight of Christians and point to the existence of Sharia law in some northern states, which they claim is disproportionately enforced against Christians. Trump's interest in Nigeria is driven by the growing concern among evangelical Christians in the U.S. about the persecution of Christians in the country. He previously questioned former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari about the issue and, during his first term, the U.S. designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations. The Biden administration removed Nigeria from this list in 2021, a decision Trump has vowed to reverse. While bipartisan groups like the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom have highlighted the persecution of Christians, they also note that other religious groups, including Muslims, face similar challenges. Trump's aggressive rhetoric, including instructing the Department of War to prepare for "fast, vicious, and sweet" action, su... download the app to read more