Washington, D.C. – Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has voiced firm support for sending U.S. troops to Nigeria in response to escalating violence against Christian communities.
In a Fox News interview with host John Roberts, Tuberville was asked directly if he would endorse U.S. military involvement. His reply was unequivocal: “You bet I would.”
The senator cited alarming figures, including reports of more than 62,000 Christians killed in Nigeria since 2000, alongside 18,000 churches destroyed. He described the situation as “absolutely insane,” stressing that those targeted are unable to defend themselves.
Tuberville’s remarks echo recent warnings from President Donald Trump, who has suggested possible U.S. intervention ranging from troops on the ground to airstrikes if Nigeria fails to curb the violence. The U.S. State Department recently reclassified Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom.
“This wouldn’t be like going into Russia, China, or Iran,” Tuberville explained. “This would be about helping innocent people take back their country.” He argued that decisive U.S. action could end the crisis “in a heartbeat.”
Reactions in Nigeria have been mixed. Some Christians, like Abuja businesswoman Juliet Sur, welcomed the idea of U.S. involvement, while government officials stressed that any foreign assistance must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The violence, largely attributed to extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, has intensified in northern and central regions. According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, more than 52,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria over the past 14 years.
The debate over U.S. intervention continues to grow, with the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom urging stronger action. The issue now sits at the intersection of humanitarian concern, religious freedom, and U.S. foreign policy strategy.
