By Uzair Adam
US Congresswoman Sara Jacobs has condemned President Donald Trump’s threat of unilateral military intervention in Nigeria over claims of a Christian genocide, calling the rhetoric “reckless” and potentially harmful to communities already grappling with widespread insecurity.
Jacobs, a Democrat representing California’s 51st Congressional District and a ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Africa, made the remarks on Thursday during a congressional hearing reviewing Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern.
She argued that framing Nigeria’s complex security challenges solely as a religious conflict misrepresents reality and could inflame tensions.“It is counterproductive to adopt overly simplistic narratives about the multiple, complex, overlapping security challenges across the country,” Jacobs said.
Drawing on her experience with counter-Boko Haram strategies during her tenure at the State Department, she emphasized that both Christian and Muslim communities are affected by insecurity.
She cited recent killings and the church kidnapping in Kwara State, as well as the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, to illustrate the wide range of victims.
“The violence affecting both Christian and Muslim communities is real, and the Nigerian government can and should do more,” she said, cautioning that Trump’s statements risk deepening divisions.
“We are already receiving reports of increased tensions between Christian and Muslim populations following this rhetoric,” Jacobs added.
She further stressed that Trump’s threat of military action would violate both US law and international norms. “Any unilateral military action in Nigeria would be illegal.
Congress has not authorised the use of force in Nigeria, and any action without Nigeria’s consent violates international law,” she said.
Jacobs concluded that while Nigeria faces serious security challenges, resolving them requires careful analysis, dialogue, and cooperation rather than inflammatory threats.