For the first time since focusing on Nigeria’s security challenges, President Donald Trump has acknowledged that Muslims are also victims of k!llings in the country, though he maintained that Christians are the primary targets. Previously, Trump had consistently emphasized att@cks on Christian communities.

In an interview with the New York Times, he stated, “I think that Muslims are being k!lled also in Nigeria. But it’s mostly Christians,” while discussing ongoing vi0lence. Speaking on the Christmas Day att@cks on t£rror groups in Nigeria, Trump suggested there could be further U.S. strikes, adding, “I’d love to make it a one-time strike … But if they continue to k+ll Christians, it will be a many-time strike.”

When confronted with reports that Islamic State and Boko Haram militants have been k!lling more Muslims than Christians, he reiterated that Muslims are affected but insisted Christians remain the main victims.

Trump had earlier labeled Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, warning that Christianity faces an “existential thr£at” and threatening military intervention over the country’s alleged failure to protect Christians. Following these claims, the Nigerian government sent a high-level delegation to the U.S. to provide context on the security situation, which was later followed by visits from senior American officials to assess the situation firsthand.

The comments reflect Trump’s continued focus on vi0lence against Christians while now acknowledging that Muslims have also s¥ffered in Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis.

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