Russia says it is paying close attention to heightened tensions between the United States and Nigeria, following reports that Washington is weighing military action in the West African nation.

At a media briefing in Moscow on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged the U.S. to adhere strictly to established global norms as the situation unfolds.

“We are closely tracking these developments and we call on all sides to fully respect international law,” Zakharova stated in response to a question on the matter.

The concern stems from U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent directive to the Pentagon to prepare military options targeting terrorist networks in Nigeria. Trump said the move was aimed at protecting Christian populations — a claim Nigerian authorities have strongly rejected.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, reiterated earlier in the week that the country remains firmly committed to religious freedom and the rule of law, dismissing accusations of state-backed persecution.

Experts note that Nigeria’s long-running security crisis — from insurgency to banditry — has resulted in casualties across religious lines, undermining claims that only Christian communities are under threat.

Diplomatic observers warn that Washington’s intensified rhetoric may be influenced by a brewing disagreement over deportations. Nigeria has reportedly resisted U.S. efforts to return non-Nigerian migrants as part of Trump’s broader immigration policies — a dispute some believe may be adding friction to already sensitive relations.

Russia’s remarks mark the latest international reaction to the controversy, with Moscow signaling that any U.S. military involvement in Nigeria would face global scrutiny.