Ex-Envoy Slams Trump’s Military Threat Against Nigeria
Former Deputy Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, Ambassador Hassan Mohammed, has criticised recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, allegedly threatening military action against Nigeria over issues related to religious freedom.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Monday night, Ambassador Mohammed described Trump’s statement as reckless and inconsistent with international law, emphasizing that the United States has no legal right to launch a military strike against any country over alleged religious violations.
He explained that while the U.S. has the authority to pressure nations that fail to uphold freedom of religion under the International Freedom of Religious Act (IFRA) enacted in 1998, the law does not empower Washington to declare war or invade a sovereign nation.
“In 1998, the United States passed a law known as the International Freedom of Religions Act. That act gives America the right to apply diplomatic pressure on countries not doing the right thing regarding freedom of worship and religious practices. However, there is nothing in the Act that authorizes the U.S. to go to war or carry out strikes over such matters,” Mohammed said.
The former envoy recalled that Nigeria had been listed under the same Act in 2001 and 2002 for alleged violations but that the issues were resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
“What is worrying now is that President Trump threatened to punish Nigeria in terms of war, strikes, or invasion. This has never happened before,” he stated.
Mohammed stressed that the purpose of the IFRA was to promote fairness and accountability, not aggression. “The intention is to ensure fairness to all religious groups and to encourage improvement through engagement. Once a country fails to meet those standards, the U.S. may impose pressure, but certainly not war. Trump’s approach shows there may be other motives behind his threats,” he said.
His remarks follow global outrage over Trump’s recent post on his Truth Social account, in which he accused the Nigerian government of allowing the killing of Christians and warned that the United States might “go in guns blazing” to “wipe out the Islamic terrorists” responsible for such acts.
In response, the Nigerian government over the weekend denied any claims of a “Christian genocide,” reiterating that Nigeria remains a democracy that guarantees freedom of religion and equality for all citizens. The Presidency also urged international partners to verify information before making statements capable of inciting tension or damaging diplomatic relations.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
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