Faith, Politics, and Security: The real story behind Trump’s planned action in Nigeria

NexTruth November 3, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement that he has ordered the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria has set off alarm bells across Africa and beyond. Cloaked under the banner of “protecting Christians from massacre,” Trump’s sudden concern for Nigeria sounds less like humanitarian compassion and more like political theatre.

Let’s be clear, Nigeria is bleeding. For over a decade, terrorists and bandit groups have unleashed unimaginable violence across the country, killing thousands of innocent Nigerians Christians and Muslims alike. No region or religion has been spared. So, Trump’s statement isn’t completely baseless. The tragedy is real.

But the question is: why now?

Why did Trump wait until now to act? This crisis didn’t begin yesterday. It’s been over ten years of horror from Boko Haram to ISWAP to rural banditry. Yet, during his first term, Trump barely lifted a finger for Nigeria. So why the sudden military interest in 2025?

Could this be a new form of political leverage, a way to reassert American dominance on African soil under the moral disguise of “defending Christians”? Or perhaps a calculated move to force Nigeria’s hand diplomatically?

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Nigeria must tread carefully. If it takes a Trump threat for our leaders to finally rise and confront these hydra-headed monsters, then perhaps it’s a painful wake-up call. But the Tinubu administration must remain strategically and politically vigilant.

And while Trump plays global savior, we must confront a deeper, uncomfortable truth:

Why has the Nigerian government continued to gamble with the lives and safety of its own people?

Our soldiers are being thrown into dangerous battles with inadequate support, while terrorists are often treated with kid gloves. How many gallant military officers must we lose before decisive action is taken?

For years, Nigerians have asked, why hasn’t the government wiped out Sambisa Forest, the known base of these criminals, and turned it into something useful? Instead, it remains a breeding ground for chaos, while citizens pay the ultimate price.

Interestingly, the Tinubu government has maintained a rather quiet distance from Trump’s America since taking office. Could this be Trump’s way of forcing himself onto Nigeria’s geopolitical stage, a not-so-subtle reminder of who calls the global shots?

Still, let’s be honest: Trump wouldn’t have the confidence to plan such a move if Nigeria’s leaders had done their job. Weak governance, indecision, and political games have made the nation vulnerable to both political and murderous terrorists.

At the end of the day, Nigeria must stop waiting for outsiders to save it.

Because if we fail to confront our own demons, someone else will.