By Lizzy Chirkpi<\/p>\n
The United States President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could authorise additional military strikes in Nigeria if violence against Christians persists, pointing to the country\u2019s worsening security situation as a major concern.<\/p>\n
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Speaking in an interview with The New York Times on Thursday, Trump was asked whether the Christmas Day airstrikes in Sokoto State aimed at Islamist militants were part of a wider military campaign. In response, he suggested future action would depend on developments on the ground. \u201cI\u2019d love to make it a one-time strike. But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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The president\u2019s comments come in the wake of his 2025 designation of Nigeria as a \u201ccountry of particular concern,\u201d a classification he justified by citing what he described as an \u201cexistential threat\u201d to the nation\u2019s Christian population.<\/p>\n
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Nigerian authorities have pushed back strongly against Trump\u2019s characterisation. Government officials argue that insurgent and jihadist groups do not target victims based on religious identity alone, insisting that the violence cuts across all communities. \u201cMuslims, Christians and those of no faith alike\u201d have been affected by the attacks, a government spokesperson said, dismissing claims that Christians are being specifically singled out.<\/p>\n
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Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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