President Donald Trump said he has instructed the Pentagon to prepare for possible action in Nigeria and warned the U.S. could go in 'guns-a-blazing' while cutting aid if killings of Christians continue. He also designated Nigeria a 'country of particular concern' and asked Reps. Riley Moore and Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee for a report. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the portrayal, citing protections for religious freedom. Amnesty International has reported worsening violence and a mounting death toll, and the AP notes a Boko Haram resurgence and a September attack that killed dozens.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.