Fatimah Otunsanya
The Russian Government has said that it is keeping a close watch on developments in Nigeria following a statement by United States President Donald Trump suggesting potential American military action in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Friday that Russia is “closely monitoring this issue and calls on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms.”
Her comments came in response to a question from the Anadolu news Agency about Trump’s recent remarks.
On November 1, Trump said he had directed the Pentagon to draw up “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, claiming the move would be aimed at protecting Christian communities there.
Zakharova urged Washington to act responsibly and within the bounds of international law.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” she reiterated.
In a post on his Truth Social platform last Friday, Trump described Christianity in Nigeria as facing an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups.
Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby designating Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern,’” he wrote.
Trump further stated that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” pledging that his administration would be ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world.
He also urged members of Congress to investigate the situation, instructing Congressman Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to report back to him.
In response, the Federal Government rejected the claims, with President Bola Tinubu reaffirming that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and protects the rights of all faiths.