US Congresswoman Sara Jacobs has described former President Donald Trump’s threat of unilateral military action in Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide as “reckless” and potentially harmful to communities already facing widespread insecurity.
Jacobs, a Democrat representing California’s 51st Congressional District and 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 violence solely as a religious conflict oversimplifies the situation and risks fueling 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 at the State Department, she emphasized that both Christian and Muslim communities are affected by insecurity. She cited recent attacks, including killings and church kidnappings in Kwara State and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, as evidence of widespread victimization.
Jacobs warned that Trump’s rhetoric could worsen divisions between religious groups. “We are already receiving reports of increased tensions between Christian and Muslim populations following this rhetoric,” she said.
She also noted that any unilateral military intervention would be illegal under US law and international norms. “Congress has not authorized the use of force in Nigeria, and any action without Nigeria’s consent violates international law,” Jacobs said.
The congresswoman stressed that while Nigeria faces significant security challenges, solutions require nuanced analysis and cooperation, not inflammatory threats.
