“ America will just use these Christians as a scapegoat to attack Nigeria — not necessarily to salvage Christians but rather an attempt to harness the resources in Nigeria,” said Idris Salisu Rogo, a public affairs analyst and lecturer at Bayero University Kano.

Civil society voices also questioned Washington’s approach, insisting support should come through partnership, not force. “If they want to support Nigeria, it is not necessary to come through an invasion or through the American military,” argued activist Salisu Yusuf. “They could provide training to Nigerian security forces.”

Trump made the remarks at a rally in Florida , citing attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria’s northern and central regions.

His comments have drawn swift pushback from Nigerian officials and added fresh strain to already sensitive geopolitical relations, with many Nigerians insisting that internal challenges require domestic solutions — not foreign troops.