“We Are Closely Monitoring US Plans for Possible Military Action in Nigeria” — Russia

Russia has announced that it is monitoring reports of possible US military action in Nigeria, following Washington’s preparations for a potential intervention.

During a briefing in Moscow on Friday, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged all sides to act in accordance with international law. Her comments came after US defense officials revealed that military plans involving air and ground strikes had been drafted under President Donald Trump’s directive to protect Christians from attacks by Islamic militants.

Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing allegations of widespread violence against Christians. He warned that the US could intervene militarily if Nigeria’s government failed to curb such attacks, saying American forces would move in “guns-a-blazing” to defend the Christian population.

President Bola Tinubu and the Economic Community of West African States have rejected claims of a Christian genocide, insisting that while terrorism remains a serious issue, the government has made significant progress in addressing it. Nigeria’s presidency said it remains open to international cooperation against terrorism but opposes 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 said.

Earlier in the week, Tinubu’s special adviser on policy communication, Daniel Bwala, told Russian national television that Nigeria does not need American troops on its soil, emphasizing that the country is capable of managing its security challenges independently.