Residents of Kano, in northern Nigeria, took to the streets on Saturday to protest against remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently threatened military action in Nigeria over alleged “Christian genocide,” according to multiple media outlets.
The demonstrations, led by several Islamic organizations in the predominantly Muslim Kano State, denounced Trump’s statements and rejected his characterization of the situation in Nigeria. Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “We condemn Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria,” “There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria,” and “America wants to control our resources.”
Trump, in a statement on November 1, said he had directed the Pentagon to explore military options against terrorist groups in Nigeria, claiming the move was to protect Christian communities. He also warned that the United States would cut off aid to Nigeria if the government failed to prevent further killings, adding that Washington could intervene militarily.
Nigeria’s government swiftly dismissed Trump’s claims. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar stated that there was no evidence of religious persecution sanctioned at any level of government, emphasizing that “it’s impossible whether at the federal, regional, or local level.”
Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, including insurgencies by Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as violent activities by armed gangs, ethnic militias such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and persistent clashes between farmers and herders driven by economic and social tensions.
