A United States Congresswoman, Sara Jacobs, has criticised former President Donald Trump for issuing what she described as a reckless and unlawful military threat against Nigeria over allegations of Christian genocide.
Jacobs made the remarks on Thursday during a US Congress hearing on Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
“Trump’s Threat Is Reckless and Illegal” — Jacobs
Speaking at the hearing, the Congresswoman argued that framing Nigeria’s violence solely as a religious conflict ignores the country’s complex security challenges.
“President Trump’s threat is reckless, and any unilateral military action in Nigeria is illegal. Congress has not authorised force in Nigeria to protect Christians,” she said.
Jacobs stressed that the violence in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims, urging the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to protect all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.
US Justifies Nigeria’s CPC Designation
The lawmaker, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Africa, echoed concerns about Nigeria’s human rights situation. She referenced the case of Deborah Samuel, a student killed in Sokoto in 2022, noting that her murderers remain free, a fact the US government cites in its justification for maintaining Nigeria’s CPC status.
Background: Trump’s Warning on Nigeria
According to reports, former President Trump had warned that he had instructed the US Defence Department to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”
Trump’s warning followed his decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing allegations of widespread persecution and violence against Christian communities.
