US signals broader efforts to protect Nigeria's Christians following Trump's military threat

President Donald Trump’s administration is promoting efforts to work with Nigeria’s government to counter violence against Christians. The plans signal a broader strategy since Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action. He had warned the U.S. would go after Islamic militants with “guns-a-blazing.” A State Department official said this past week that plans include potential sanctions as well as assistance programs and intelligence sharing. The efforts may support Trump’s pledge to avoid more involvement in foreign conflicts. And they come as the U.S. security footprint has diminished in Africa. Military partnerships there have either been scaled down or canceled.