United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth has signalled readiness to take military action over alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria,
In a move that has reignited global debate, United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has declared Washington’s readiness to take military action over the alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria. Hegseth’s statement, delivered during a defense briefing in Washington, mirrors the tone of a previous warning issued by former President Donald Trump, whose comments years ago stirred significant international concern.
Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. “will not stand idly by while innocent believers are slaughtered,” adding that intelligence assessments and diplomatic reports have been reviewed to confirm the scale of violence. He noted that the Pentagon is considering “strategic options,” ranging from targeted sanctions to limited military interventions, should the Nigerian government fail to act decisively.
The Nigerian authorities have yet to respond officially, though diplomatic sources say talks between both governments are expected in the coming days. Human rights organizations have urged restraint, warning that external intervention could escalate tensions.
Still, Hegseth’s remarks mark one of the strongest signals yet of renewed U.S. assertiveness in African affairs — a policy stance that could redefine Washington’s engagement with Nigeria and its approach to religious freedom on the global stage.
