United States Congressman Bill Huizenga has said he does not expect President Donald Trump to order military action in Nigeria despite the President’s forceful public warnings about the killings of Christians and other civilians.
Speaking to Arise TV, Huizenga described Mr Trump’s remarks as an expression of outrage over the violence rather than an indication of a concrete plan to send U.S. forces into Nigeria. He said the administration is far more likely to rely on economic measures and targeted sanctions than on military intervention.
“I was surprised by the forceful language, but I do not believe actual military intervention in Nigeria is a high priority,” Huizenga said. “The president wants the violence to stop. I do not foresee a surprise attack or a broader military response.”
Huizenga urged the use of sanctions against individuals and groups believed to be responsible for the killings. He argued that cutting off financial flows and restricting movement would be an effective way to weaken the networks that sustain violent actors.
“Economic pressure and sanctions on both people and organisations would be the first and most effective step,” he said. “Sanctions can disrupt the flow of money and travel that allow these operations to continue.”
The congressman also pointed to Mr Trump’s record of favouring diplomatic measures over expanded military commitments. “This president has pursued peace rather than expanding war, so he would be very selective about any military action,” Huizenga added.
Mr Trump has labelled Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” citing what he described as large scale killings of Christians, and warned that Washington could cut aid or take action if the violence persists. In a post shared on social media, he urged rapid attention from lawmakers and said the United States stands ready to defend religious minorities.
