Donald Trump is asking the US Department of Defense to prepare for military strikes against Nigeria on Sunday night.

The president writes this in a post on Truth Social.

He will also immediately stop all aid to the West African nation if the authorities continue to allow the killing of Christians in the country.

"If we attack, it will be quick, cruel and sweet - just like the terrorist thugs are attacking our BELOVED Christians," Trump wrote.

Trump claims Islamic terrorists are behind what he describes as horrific atrocities against Christians in Nigeria, but does not provide further details on the matter.

He further calls Nigeria a disgraced country and warns that the government of the country should act quickly.

- Preparing

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was quick to confirm that the message had been received by the Department of Defense.

- The killings of innocent Christians in Nigeria – and everywhere – must stop immediately. The Ministry of War (Ministry of Defense, journ. note) is preparing for action.

- Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who commit these terrible atrocities, Hegseth threatens in the post on X.

Rejects the allegations

The messages come after Trump earlier this week accused Nigeria of violating religious freedom, and claimed that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria, according to CNN.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected allegations of religious intolerance earlier Saturday.

"The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into account the government's consistent and sincere efforts to protect freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians," Tinubu said in a statement.

The country's Foreign Ministry pledged to continue the fight against violent extremism and stated that they hoped Washington would remain a close ally.

Thousands killed

Nigeria is home to 200 ethnic groups practicing Christianity, Islam and traditional religions. The country has a long history of peaceful coexistence, but has also seen flare-ups of inter-group violence.

The Islamist terrorist organization Boko Haram has terrorized northeastern Nigeria for more than 15 years, killing tens of thousands of people, according to Reuters.

Although several groups, including Christians, have been affected by attacks and conflict in the country, human rights experts have nevertheless pointed out that most of the victims of extremism have been Muslims.