Trump criticises Nigerian government amid growing security challenges
Story by Okafor Vivian
United States President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Nigeria, condemning the country’s handling of insecurity and describing the situation as “a disgrace.”
Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to curb violence across the country, noting that he recently redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
“I think Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace,” he said. “They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s genocide. And I’m really angry about it. We give a lot of subsidy to Nigeria, which we’re going to end up stopping. The government has done nothing. They are very ineffective. They’re killing Christians at will. And until I spoke up two weeks ago, nobody even talked about it.”
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Trump’s remarks come as President Bola Tinubu dispatched a high-level delegation to Washington to brief U.S. officials on Nigeria’s efforts to combat escalating insecurity. The team, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, has met with senior figures in the Trump administration, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
The delegation also held talks with Congressman Riley Moore, who was directed by Trump to investigate Nigeria’s security situation and provide updates to the White House.
The U.S. president’s recent comments have coincided with a surge in violent attacks across Nigeria. Although it remains uncertain whether the two developments are connected, as suggested by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, there has been a noticeable spike in incidents.
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In the past week, Boko Haram insurgents ambushed and killed a Brigadier-General and several soldiers in Borno State. On Monday, armed bandits abducted 25 female students from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State, killing Vice-Principal Hassan Makuku and injuring a security guard.
Two days later, gunmen invaded a church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing one person and kidnapping several worshippers.
On Friday, St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra LGA of Niger State was attacked, with over 300 students and 12 staff members reportedly abducted.
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