“We are coming for you; there will be no sanctuaries, no negotiations,” U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared to Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terrorists in Nigeria.
He stated, “To Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the Fulani militants: You have targeted Christians because you believed no one would come to their defense. You were wrong.” He emphasized that the “United States military is the most lethal fighting force in human history,” and warned, “There will be no negotiations. There will be no warnings.”
Hegseth declared, “American warriors do not sleep. Our satellites see you. Our drones hunt you.” He asserted that terrorists cannot hide, saying, “When you hear the Reaper overhead, you may fall to your knees and beg for divine intervention. I have news for you, God heard your victims’ prayers first. We are His answer.”
He condemned the “greatest crimes against humanity in modern history” happening in Nigeria, noting that “125,000 Christians have been unaliveed since 2009.” He stressed that “this is genocide,” distinguishing it from other conflicts, and criticized the media for ignoring the plight of Christians.
Hegseth also called out the Nigerian government for its inaction, recounting a pastor’s warning before an attack that resulted in 13 Christian deaths. He emphasized that “we are witnessing collaboration” rather than failure when authorities ignore such warnings.
He highlighted previous U.S. administrations' recognition of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations, which was removed by the Biden administration despite ongoing violence. He declared that “America has had enough,” and on October 31, 2025, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” directing preparations to protect Christians and eliminate terrorists.
Hegseth made it clear to the Nigerian government that “you have enabled this genocide through your inaction,” suspending all military and financial aid until they protect their citizens. He reassured Nigerian Christians that “you are not forgotten. You are not alone. America stands with you.”
He rejected caution from critics, stating, “What we are preparing to do in Nigeria is not reckless; it is righteous.” He affirmed that America’s role is to protect the innocent and eliminate evil, echoing historical commitments to defend those being slaughtered.
“History will judge this moment,” he warned, invoking the moral clarity needed to confront evil. He concluded, “The world is watching to see if America still has the courage of its convictions. They are about to get their answer.”
— Pete Hegseth, United States Secretary of War