US President Donald Trump has ordered the Department of War to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria as he accused the nation of violence against Christians.

In a social media post, Trump said the United States would immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria if the country fails to act against the killings of Christians. The announcement comes after the US designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria remains committed to upholding religious freedom and tolerance, which he described as core values of the nation’s identity.