Russia has said it is closely monitoring developments following reports that the United States is preparing potential military action in Nigeria, issuing a warning against any escalation.
The caution was delivered on Friday by Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing in Moscow. Zakharova urged all parties to “strictly comply with international legal norms,” stressing that rising tensions must be avoided.
Her remarks came after disclosures by U.S. defence officials on Wednesday that the American military had drawn up air and ground strike plans on Nigeria under the directive of President Donald Trump, who ordered preparations to intervene and “protect Christians from attack by Islamic militants.”
Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” claiming that Christians in the country face an “existential threat.” He warned that if the Nigerian government “continued to ignore the attacks,” the U.S. could enter the country “guns-a-blazing.”
President Bola Tinubu has rejected allegations of a Christian genocide, maintaining that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom. The Nigerian government backed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) described the U.S. narrative as false and capable of destabilising the region.
The presidency reiterated that while Nigeria welcomes international cooperation in combating terrorism, it will not accept any action that undermines its sovereignty.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” Zakharova stated, signalling Moscow’s concern over the escalating rhetoric.
On Monday, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, appeared on Russian national television, where he restated Nigeria’s position.
“We do not need American boots on Nigerian soil,” Bwala said. He acknowledged that Nigeria still faces security challenges but insisted the Tinubu administration has recorded “massive progress” in addressing them.
