Killings: US Lawmaker Dismisses Invasion Concerns as FG Holds Talks with Trump

United States Congressman Bill Huizenga has downplayed fears of possible U.S. military intervention in Nigeria, saying President Donald Trump is unlikely to pursue armed action despite his recent “guns-ablazing” threat.

Huizenga made the remarks during an interview with Arise TV published on Tuesday.

At the same time, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that diplomatic discussions between Abuja and Washington were ongoing and producing positive results amid heightened tensions between both countries.

Trump had, in late October, claimed to have directed the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians. However, Huizenga clarified that while the U.S. President wants the killings to end, military intervention is not a priority.

“I was surprised by the forcefulness of his comments,” Huizenga said. “I don’t believe actual military intervention in Nigeria ranks high on his agenda. I think his main concern is stopping what he perceives as genocide against Christians and others in Nigeria. I don’t expect any surprise attack or military response.”

The lawmaker recommended economic sanctions as a more effective measure against terrorist financing. “Sanctions can restrict the flow of money and movement of those involved in terrorism. If we impose economic pressure, it will have a positive impact,” he added.

Huizenga also urged Nigerian authorities to intensify domestic efforts to combat insecurity.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said open communication between both governments is helping clarify misunderstandings about the situation in Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Sky News’ The World With Yalda Hakim, Idris explained that misinformation—often spread by lobby groups linked to banned separatist organisations—had distorted global perception of Nigeria’s internal security challenges.

“We are seeing direct links between some lobbyists in the U.S. and proscribed groups in Nigeria,” he said. “They have been reaching out to influential people in the United States to lobby and misinform.”

Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its long-standing partnership with the U.S. and called for continued cooperation in tackling terrorism. “The U.S. has helped Nigeria address security issues in the past, and we are calling for renewed collaboration to restore lasting peace,” he said.

He also dismissed data suggesting widespread religious persecution in the country, stressing that Nigeria remains a multi-faith nation with constitutional freedom of worship. “Some of the assumptions being circulated cannot withstand proper scrutiny,” he noted.

In a related development, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu said Trump’s comments on killings in Nigeria should not be dismissed, acknowledging that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from terrorist attacks.

“There are jihadists who simply want to destroy Nigeria. We should blacklist them and flush them out,” Kalu said, expressing confidence that President Bola Tinubu would continue to receive U.S. intelligence support in fighting terrorism.

Also, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) urged the Federal Government to leverage international partnerships, including Trump’s interest, to intensify the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Olubunmi Fasehun, the OPC called on the government to sanction individuals and groups funding terror and to prioritise national security over politics.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting law enforcement through intelligence gathering across the South-West and other regions, stating, “Security is a shared responsibility, and when civilians and authorities work together, crime prevention becomes faster and more effective.”