U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced plans to invade Nigeria to kill off rampaging bandits and terrorists over the massacre of Christians.

Mr Hegseth made the announcement on Saturday, responding to President Donald Trump’s order for U.S. soldiers to prepare for a potential offensive invasion of northern Nigeria. 

“Yes, sir. The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria anywhere—must end and immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action,” Mr Hegseth said. “Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

On Friday, Mr Trump declared Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern’, citing the killing of Christians by Islamic jihadists.

Mr Trump’s declaration followed weeks of a massive online campaign by top U.S. lawmakers, including Ted Cruz, Riley Moore, and Nancy Mace, among others. 

The Christian Association of Nigeria also seconded the campaign against “Christian genocide”, calling for international intervention.

Responding to Mr Trump’s declaration, President Bola Tinubu, who had repeatedly denied the genocide in Nigeria, said, “Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on the protection of communities of all faiths.”