The Russian government says it is closely monitoring developments in Nigeria following remarks by United States President Donald Trump hinting at possible American military action in the country.
At a press briefing in Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Friday that Russia was “closely following the situation” and urged all parties to “strictly observe international legal norms.”
Zakharova’s comments were in response to a question from Turkey’s Anadolu news agency about Trump’s recent statement.
On November 1, Trump said he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, saying the move was meant to protect Christian communities in the country.
Read Also: NSCDC assures voters of safety ahead of Anambra gov poll
Zakharova cautioned Washington to act responsibly and respect the principles of international law.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” she reiterated.
In a post on his Truth Social platform last Friday, Trump described Christianity in Nigeria as facing an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby designating Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern,’” he wrote.
Trump added that the United States “cannot stand idly by while such atrocities occur,” pledging that his administration would remain ready and willing to protect “our great Christian population around the world.”
He also called on Congress to look into the situation, directing Congressman Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to brief him on their findings.
In its response, the Federal Government dismissed Trump’s claims, with President Bola Tinubu reiterating that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and safeguards the rights of all faiths.
