Massive demonstrations erupted in Kano State on Saturday as thousands of Nigerians took to the streets to condemn U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat of military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
The protests, organised primarily by followers of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky under the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), saw large crowds chanting anti-American slogans, waving banners, and burning U.S. flags in defiance of what they described as “Western interference” in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
President Trump, in a November 1, 2025, speech, had warned that the United States might intervene militarily if the Nigerian government failed to protect Christians from attacks allegedly carried out by “Islamic terrorists.” His statement has since drawn widespread outrage across Nigeria, sparking diplomatic tension between both nations.
Speaking during the rally, IMN representatives accused Trump of deliberately inflaming religious divisions and disrespecting Nigeria’s sovereignty. “We reject every attempt by any foreign power to dictate how our country handles its security challenges,” one protest leader said. “This is a sovereign nation, and our diversity is our strength.”
Witnesses reported that the protests began peacefully but later escalated as demonstrators symbolically set ablaze American flags and effigies of Trump while chanting solidarity songs. Security forces maintained a heavy presence around major junctions in Kano to prevent violence.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Federal Government has reiterated that it rejects any form of religious framing of the country’s security situation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement signed by Minister Yusuf Tuggar, emphasised that Nigeria remains committed to protecting citizens of all faiths and backgrounds.
“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits persecution on any grounds,” Tuggar said. “Our ongoing operations against Boko Haram and other violent groups are directed at criminality, not religion.”
Political observers note that Trump’s comments have triggered both domestic and international reactions, with lawmakers, religious leaders, and advocacy groups describing his remarks as “reckless and dangerous.” Many warn that such statements could exacerbate tensions in a country already grappling with insecurity and economic strain.
As diplomatic discussions continue, analysts say the protests in Kano underscore the deep sensitivity surrounding religious narratives in Nigeria’s public space and the growing demand for global actors to respect local contexts in security and governance issues.
