Russia Closely Watching Nigeria Amidst Trump’s Invasion Threat
The Russian government has said it is closely monitoring political and security developments in Nigeria following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting potential American military action in the West African country.
At a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Kremlin was “closely monitoring the situation” and urged all parties to adhere strictly to international law.
“We are closely following this issue and call on all parties involved to comply fully with international legal norms,” Zakharova told reporters in response to a question from Turkey’s Anadolu News Agency.
Her statement came days after President Trump, on November 1, announced that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria. He said the move was intended to protect Christian communities, which he claimed were facing persecution.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Christianity in Nigeria as being under “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups.
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“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby designating Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern,’” Trump wrote.
The U.S. president added that his administration “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” pledging that Washington would be “ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world.”
He also directed key congressional figures—including Congressman Barry Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and members of the House Appropriations Committee—to investigate the situation and report back to him.
The Nigerian government swiftly rejected Trump’s claims. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and protects the rights of all faiths, describing the allegations of persecution as “unfounded and unhelpful.”
Zakharova, in her comments, urged Washington to “act responsibly and within the bounds of international law,” warning against any action that could destabilize the region.
Russia’s response underscores growing international attention to Trump’s controversial remarks, which have sparked diplomatic reactions and renewed debates about sovereignty and foreign intervention in Africa.
By PRNigeria
