Two senior members of the United States Congress have berated former President Donald Trump for threatening military action and aid cuts against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, Gregory W. Meeks, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sara Jacobs, ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, described Trump’s remarks as “dangerous, reckless and misguided.”

The lawmakers faulted Trump’s claim that Nigeria was engaged in religious persecution, saying such comments misrepresent the complex realities driving insecurity in the country.

According to them, designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” oversimplifies the situation and ignores key factors such as resource competition and land disputes between farmers and herders.

“The conflicts in Nigeria are not purely religious. They are often triggered by resource scarcity and competition for land. Terrorist and criminal elements have targeted both Christians and Muslims, particularly in the North,” the statement read.

They praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to foster interfaith unity and strengthen national security, stressing that “every Nigerian, regardless of faith, deserves protection.”

Meeks and Jacobs also took exception to Trump’s threat to use military force in Nigeria under the guise of defending Christians.

“It is grossly irresponsible for President Trump to make such statements. Providing security assistance is one thing, but threatening military intervention based on distorted facts is completely unacceptable,” they said.

They further warned that any move to cut off American aid to Nigeria would have devastating humanitarian consequences.

“Blocking U.S. assistance undermines critical programmes that provide food, health, and livelihood support—efforts that are essential in countering violent extremism and stabilising affected regions,” the lawmakers cautioned.

They urged Washington to maintain constructive engagement with Nigeria and other African partners rather than resort to divisive rhetoric that could inflame tensions.