CaliToday (02/11/2025): President Donald Trump issued a stark warning late Saturday, threatening potential direct U.S. military action in Nigeria to combat the nation's escalating crisis with extremist groups. The president vowed to "eradicate Islamic terrorists" in the region, signaling a significant potential shift in U.S. counter-terrorism policy in West Africa.
The comments, made to reporters on the White House lawn before departing for Camp David, came amid growing international alarm over the deteriorating security situation in northern Nigeria.
"We are watching Nigeria, and what's happening is a terrible thing," President Trump said. "They have to get control of it, and they're not getting control of it. We are not going to stand by and watch. If they can't do it, we will go in and we will clean it up for them. We will eradicate the Islamic terrorists from that region."
When pressed for details on what would trigger such action, the president was nondescript, stating only, "You'll find out. They know what they have to do."
A Shift in U.S. Policy
The president's threat marks a dramatic potential departure from the existing U.S. posture in the region. For years, U.S. involvement has officially been limited to an "advise and assist" role, providing intelligence, surveillance, training, and equipment to the Nigerian military.
However, the administration has been frustrated by the Nigerian government's inability to contain insurgents, particularly the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and remnants of Boko Haram. A U.S. State Department report released last month highlighted a sharp increase in high-casualty attacks on both military and civilian targets in the Lake Chad basin.
International and Domestic Reaction
The remarks sent an immediate shockwave through diplomatic circles. A spokesperson for the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated they were "seeking immediate clarification" from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, reiterating that Nigeria "is a sovereign nation" capable of handling its internal security.
Reaction on Capitol Hill was divided. Several Republican defense hawks have long advocated for a more aggressive stance, but Democratic leaders on the House Foreign Affairs Committee expressed deep concern. "You cannot threaten to invade a partner nation on a Saturday morning press gaggle," one committee member wrote on social media. "This is reckless, undermines our diplomatic efforts, and puts our existing personnel at risk."
A Pentagon spokesperson, when asked for comment, stated: "We are aware of the president's remarks and continue to monitor the security situation in Nigeria. The Department of Defense works to support the U.S. government's policy objectives as directed."
As of Sunday morning, it remains unclear whether the president's threat constitutes a formal change in U.S. policy or rhetorical pressure aimed at compelling the Nigerian government to take more decisive action against the extremist groups.