By Ibrahim Muhammad
Russia has said it is closely monitoring developments in Nigeria following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting possible American military action in the country.
At a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters that the Kremlin was “closely following the situation” and urged all parties to respect international law.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” Zakharova said in response to a question from Turkey’s Anadolu news agency about Trump’s comments.
President Trump, speaking on November 1, said he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria — a move he said was aimed at protecting Christian communities.
Zakharova cautioned Washington to act “responsibly” and within international legal frameworks, emphasizing that any foreign action in Nigeria must not infringe upon the country’s sovereignty.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Christianity in Nigeria was facing an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups, alleging that “thousands of Christians are being killed.”
“Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby designating Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern,’” the U.S. President declared.
Trump added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” pledging that his administration would be “ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world.”
He also called on Congress to investigate the situation, naming Congressman Barry Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to report back to him.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Federal Government has rejected Trump’s claims. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and protects the rights of all faiths.
“Nigeria is a secular state that guarantees freedom of religion. We do not discriminate against any group,” Tinubu said in a statement
