United States Congressman Bill Huizenga has assured that US President Donald Trump is unlikely to carry out military action in Nigeria despite his recent “guns-ablazing” threat.
Huizenga spoke during an interview with Arise TV on Tuesday.
The US lawmaker said Trump’s comments were likely aimed at ending the reported killings of Christians and other Nigerians, rather than signalling a direct military intervention.
“I suspect military action in Nigeria is not a high priority for the President,” Huizenga said. “His main concern is ensuring that the violence, particularly against Christians, stops. I don’t envision a surprise attack or military response.”
Huizenga suggested that unexpected economic pressure and sanctions on individuals and organisations funding terrorism would be a more effective strategy than military action.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the US is ongoing and yielding results.
He called for a proper understanding of Nigeria’s diverse security challenges, stressing that certain lobby groups in the US linked to proscribed separatist organisations have misinformed American authorities.
“We value our longstanding security partnership with the United States and are calling for continued collaboration in tackling terrorism,” Idris said. He also challenged the credibility of some data used to support claims of religious intolerance, emphasising that Nigeria remains a multi-faith nation.
Former Abia State governor, Senator Orji Kalu, supported Trump’s concern about the killings, noting that terrorists are targeting both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. Kalu urged the government to blacklist perpetrators and enhance collaboration with international partners.
credit- pm news
