Amid Nigeria’s security crisis, United States Congresswoman,, Sara Jacobs has condemned President Donald Trump’s threat of unilateral military action in Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide, warning that the rhetoric could further endanger 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 Thursday during a congressional hearing reviewing Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern.
She emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and require careful analysis and international cooperation, not inflammatory threats.
“It is counterproductive to adopt overly simplistic narratives about the multiple, complex, overlapping security challenges across the country,” she said, noting that both Christian and Muslim communities are affected.
Jacobs cited recent attacks, including church killings in Kwara State and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, as examples of Nigeria’s broad spectrum of victims. She cautioned that Trump’s statements risk escalating tensions between religious groups.
She also stressed that any unilateral U.S. military action in Nigeria would violate both 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.
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