U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs has sharply condemned former President Donald Trump’s threat to launch unilateral military operations in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, warning that such remarks are irresponsible and could inflame existing tensions in the country.
Jacobs, who represents California’s 51st Congressional District and serves as the ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Africa, delivered the criticism during a congressional review of Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern.
She argued that framing Nigeria’s widespread violence as a purely religious war is misleading and harmful. According to her, the nation’s insecurity stems from intertwined political, economic, and communal factors—not a single religious motive.
“It’s dangerous and counterproductive to reduce Nigeria’s multilayered security crises to simplistic religious narratives,” Jacobs cautioned.
Drawing on her background in counter-Boko Haram work at the U.S. State Department, the congresswoman noted that both Christians and Muslims continue to suffer from attacks. She referenced recent incidents—including church kidnappings in Kwara State and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi—to emphasize that violence targets citizens across religious lines.
She also disclosed that Trump’s comments had already heightened local tensions. “We are receiving troubling reports of rising unease between Christian and Muslim communities since these statements were made,” she revealed.
Jacobs further declared that Trump’s threat to deploy U.S. forces to Nigeria would violate both American law and international standards.
“Congress has not authorised the use of military force in Nigeria, and no operation in a sovereign country can occur without its consent. Any unilateral action would be illegal—full stop,” she said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s serious security challenges, Jacobs insisted that lasting solutions require thoughtful engagement and partnership rather than incendiary threats.
“Addressing insecurity in Nigeria demands nuance, cooperation, and a deep understanding of local dynamics—not inflammatory rhetoric,” she concluded.