The Russian government has said it is keeping a close watch on developments in Nigeria following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting possible American military involvement in the country.
During a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Russia was following the situation carefully and urged restraint from all parties.
“We are closely monitoring this matter and call on all sides to strictly adhere to international legal standards,” Zakharova said in response to a question from Turkey’s Anadolu News Agency.
Zakharova’s comments came a week after President Trump revealed that he had instructed the Pentagon to develop “options for possible military action” against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria. Trump claimed the move was aimed at protecting Christian communities allegedly under threat.
In a November 1 post on his Truth Social platform, Trump argued that Christianity in Nigeria faced an “existential threat,” alleging that “thousands of Christians are being killed” by “radical Islamists.”
“I am designating Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” the U.S. President wrote. “America cannot remain silent while such atrocities continue. We are ready, willing, and able to defend Christians around the world.”
He also directed several Republican lawmakers including Congressman Barry Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the situation and brief him on their findings.
In response, Nigeria’s Federal Government swiftly dismissed Trump’s statements, describing them as inaccurate and politically motivated.
President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all religious groups.
He rejected the “Country of Particular Concern” label, insisting that it misrepresents the nation’s situation.
Officials emphasised that the country’s security challenges affect Nigerians of all faiths, warning that some foreign voices continue to promote misleading narratives that fail to reflect the complex realities on the ground.
