President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to meet with United States President Donald Trump in the coming days to address growing diplomatic tension over claims of widespread attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
The planned meeting comes after Trump, in a series of recent public statements, accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christian communities and threatened to halt U.S. aid — and potentially deploy American military force — if the alleged killings continue.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, disclosed the scheduled engagement on Saturday in a statement shared on X, noting that both leaders would address what he described as “misconceptions” over the nature of terrorism in Nigeria.
“President Trump has supported Nigeria in counterterrorism efforts in the past, and President Tinubu has maximised those opportunities with significant results,” Bwala said.
“Differences on whether terrorists target only Christians or Nigerians of all faiths will be discussed and resolved when both leaders meet.”
Trump, who recently accused “radical Islamists” of committing genocide against Christians, designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and urged U.S. lawmakers to review military support to Africa’s largest democracy.
In one of his strongest comments yet, the Republican leader suggested possible military intervention, warning Washington could go in “guns-a-blazing” to defend Christians if Abuja fails to act.
He further claimed he had directed the U.S. Department of Defense to draft a response plan for potential action against terrorists in Nigeria.
The comments came after U.S. Congressman Riley Moore similarly alleged “systematic persecution and slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria — a claim Nigerian officials have consistently denied, insisting that victims of terrorism cut across ethnic and religious lines.
Nigerian authorities have repeatedly maintained that attacks blamed on terrorists, bandits, and extremist groups target Muslims and Christians alike, describing the U.S. allegations as politically motivated and uninformed.
Security analysts have also warned that the rhetoric could strain bilateral relations at a time when Nigeria is seeking stronger defence cooperation and economic support from Washington.
Bwala did not disclose the exact date or venue of the meeting but hinted it could take place either in Abuja or at the White House.
He stressed that both presidents share a commitment to global peace and security
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