"If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the United States will immediately cut off all aid and support to Nigeria and may enter this now disgraced country 'with full force' to completely destroy the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrific atrocities," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

He noted that he had instructed the Pentagon to"prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be swift, brutal, and merciless, just like the terrorist bandits attacking our precious Christians! Warning: Nigerian government should act quickly!" Trump said.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu previously stressed on the X network that his country"opposes and does not encourage religious persecution." Nigeria is said to be a country where "the constitution guarantees the protection of citizens of all faiths."

On Friday, Trump claimed in another tweet that “Christianity in Nigeria is under existential threat.” The US president said “thousands of Christians are being killed,” adding that “radical Islamists are responsible for this mass killing.” He said he would designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” because of its gross violations of religious freedom, joining countries like China and Russia.

Boko Haram launched a violent campaign in northeastern Nigeria in 2009, seeking to impose a strict Islamic theocracy on the country. The conflict has killed more than 35,000 people and displaced more than 2 million.