Inibehe Effiong Backs U.S. Threat of Military Action Over Christian Killings in Nigeria

|By Adejumo Adekunle

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has thrown his weight behind the United States’ threat of military intervention over the persistent killings of Christians in Nigeria, saying the action could finally jolt the government into fulfilling its constitutional duty of protecting lives.

Effiong’s reaction followed President Donald Trump’s warning on Saturday that the U.S. would not hesitate to take military action if Nigeria’s government fails to curb the attacks. The U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, also confirmed that the Department of War was already preparing for possible deployment should further attacks occur.

In a post on X, Effiong lamented the worsening insecurity in the country, saying, “The killings have gone on for too long.” He stressed that Nigeria could no longer continue under such alarming circumstances.

“If this is what it will take for the Nigerian government to wake up to its primary responsibility, so be it,” Effiong declared.
“The idea that our Armed Forces are so weak and ineffective is unacceptable. Communities have accused the military of shielding terrorists, and several videos show victims confronting soldiers for allegedly colluding with insurgents.”

Effiong further criticized the government for failing to investigate the allegations against the military, insisting that “enough is enough.”

The human rights advocate’s statement adds to the mounting pressure on Nigeria’s security institutions, as both local and international voices demand stronger action against terrorism and religious violence.