The Russian government says it is closely monitoring developments in Nigeria following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump hinting at possible American military measures in the country.
At a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters that Russia is watching the situation closely and urged all parties to adhere strictly to international legal norms.
Her comments came after Trump, on November 1, stated he had directed the Pentagon to prepare “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, claiming the action would aim to protect Christian communities facing attacks by radical Islamist groups.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Christianity in Nigeria as facing an “existential threat”, saying, “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 added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening” and called on Congress to investigate the matter.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected the claims, with President Bola Tinubu reaffirming that the country respects religious freedom and safeguards the rights of all faiths.
Zakharova emphasized that Washington should act responsibly and within the bounds of international law, saying, “We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms.”