Former US President Donald Trump has threatened to launch more military operations in Nigeria if what he called the “k.il!.lling of Christians” in the nation persists.

In response to a question about whether the Christmas Day missile strikes against Islamic State militants marked the beginning of a larger military campaign, Trump made these comments in an interview with The New York Times. Trump’s earlier threat to send troops into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing to wipe out the terrorists k!” was followed by the strikes. lling our beloved Christians,” in response to assertions made by some American politicians that the West African country was experiencing Christian genocide.

Ademola Oshodi, President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, described the incident as an isolated incident, demonstrating the Nigerian government’s control over it.

“I’d love to make it a one-time strike,” Trump told the Times, hinting at the possibility of further military action. However, it will be a long-term attack if they keep k!.lling Christians.”

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected allegations of targeted Christian k!llings. Last October, Trump’s senior adviser for Arab and African affairs, Massad Boulos, said Boko Haram and ISIS were responsible for more Muslim deaths than Christian ones.

Asked about Boulos’ remarks, Trump responded: “I think that Muslims are being k.!lled also in Nigeria. But it’s mostly Christians.” Following the strikes, flight-tracking data indicated that U.S. intelligence and surveillance activities in Nigeria had resumed.