Russia has expressed concern over recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting possible American military intervention in Nigeria, saying it is “closely monitoring” the political situation in the West African country.

During a campaign rally on November 1, 2025, President Trump claimed he had instructed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare “options for action” in Nigeria to “protect Christian communities,” alleging widespread persecution, a statement that triggered global diplomatic reactions.

In a statement issued in Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova urged the United States to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and adhere to international law.

 “Russia is closely following developments in Nigeria and calls on the United States to refrain from any steps that could escalate tensions. Such statements are unconstructive and potentially destabilising. Any unilateral military intervention in a sovereign African nation would represent a grave violation of the United Nations Charter," Zakharova said.

She added that Moscow “reaffirms its commitment to the principles of non-interference” and encourages all parties to prioritise dialogue, cooperation, and respect for Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The Nigerian government swiftly dismissed Trump’s allegations of religious persecution, stressing that the country’s security challenges affect citizens of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. Officials confirmed that diplomatic consultations were ongoing with Washington to clarify the U.S. president’s remarks.

It would be recalled that China also cautioned against foreign interference, urging that Nigeria’s internal affairs be addressed domestically and through regional mechanisms such as ECOWAS and the African Union (AU).

Political analysts say Moscow’s quick reaction reflects its growing strategic interest in Africa and its efforts to counterbalance American influence on the continent.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and one of its top oil producers, has become a central focus in this evolving geopolitical rivalry.

Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups and religious leaders, who accused him of exploiting Nigeria’s complex security challenges to advance his political agenda.

Observers warn that escalating rhetoric from global powers could strain Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and complicate its existing security partnerships with Western allies.