Russia has voiced concern over reports that the United States is considering military intervention in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s directive to prepare plans to protect Christians allegedly under attack.
At a press briefing in Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the Kremlin is monitoring the situation and urged all parties to respect international law. “We call on all sides to strictly comply with international legal norms,” she stated.
Her comments came after US defense officials confirmed that air and ground strike options had been drafted under Trump’s renewed policy to defend Christian communities in Nigeria. Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” accusing the government of failing to stop persecution by Islamic militants. He warned that Washington could “enter Nigeria guns-a-blazing” if the violence persists.
Nigeria’s government has rejected the allegations, saying insecurity affects citizens of all faiths. President Bola Tinubu’s administration emphasized that while it welcomes global cooperation against terrorism, it will not tolerate any breach of its sovereignty.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also backed Nigeria, warning against foreign narratives that could heighten regional tensions or justify external intervention.
