Next Africa Why Is Trump Threatening Military Action In Nigeria?
Nov 4, 2025
Neil Munshi, Deputy Managing Editor at Bloomberg with expertise in Middle East and Africa, shares insights alongside Abuja-based reporter Nduka Orjino. They discuss Trump's alarming threats to Nigeria concerning violence against Christians, tracing the origins of these claims in right-wing circles. The duo explores the diverse realities of violence in Nigeria, analyzes President Tinubu’s cautious response, and examines potential escalations with the U.S. Their conversation sheds light on the challenges Nigeria faces amid international scrutiny.
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Violence In Nigeria Is Complex Not Genocidal
- Claims of a systematic genocide against Christians in Nigeria are factually inaccurate and stem from circulating conspiracy theories.
- Violence in Nigeria is complex, affects Muslims and Christians, and is concentrated in the predominantly Muslim north.
How The Narrative Broke Into Mainstream
- Right-wing and evangelical circles have long promoted narratives of Christian persecution in Nigeria, which Trump re-amplified.
- Public figures like Bill Maher have echoed exaggerated figures and claims on mainstream platforms.
Different Violent Actors, Different Regions
- Different forms of violence have distinct geographies: jihadists in the northeast, bandits in the northwest, and farmer-herder clashes in the middle belt.
- The majority of violence historically has been by criminal gangs and bandits, not solely jihadist groups.