Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for threatening military intervention in Nigeria, describing the remark as reckless and rooted in a shallow understanding of the nation’s security complexities. Soyinka, speaking in Makurdi after a meeting with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, condemned the idea of imposing force under the guise of assistance.
He faulted Trump’s “guns blazing” rhetoric, stressing that such statements show disregard for Nigerians working tirelessly to resolve the country’s security crisis. According to him, leaders must demonstrate respect for victims and collaborate meaningfully rather than making inflammatory declarations from afar.
Trump had recently designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and suggested military action if the government failed to curb alleged attacks on Christians. Soyinka, however, maintained that responsible diplomacy—not threats—is what Nigeria’s situation demands.