Alleged Christian killings : Igbo-American veterans urge U.S. to establish military base in Nigeria

The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), a United States-based association comprising Americans of Igbo heritage who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military, has appealed to the U.S. government to set up a military base in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

In a letter dated November 6 and addressed to U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, AVID’s President, Dr. Sylvester Unyia, and Secretary, Dr. Godson Obiagwu, expressed gratitude to Hegseth for his “unwavering support in tackling the Christian genocide in Nigeria.” The group urged immediate and concrete steps to stop the ongoing violence.

According to AVID, its members’ cultural and geographical familiarity with southeastern Nigeria gives them a unique advantage in advising on U.S. engagement in the region.

“We know the topography of the areas affected, their mindset, culture, and comprehend fully the magnitude of this problem,” the letter stated.

“A permanent solution is the only way to resolve this Christian genocide. Establishing a U.S. military base (in Nigeria) will be the genesis of resolving this issue, as it will serve as a deterrent to these perpetrators,” the group added.

The veterans also accused the Nigerian government of disseminating “lies and propaganda” about the crisis and declared their readiness to support U.S. efforts, saying they were “ready and standing by to render any form of assistance.”

They ended their letter affirming loyalty to both the United States and former President Donald Trump, writing, “May God bless you, Sir. Long live Donald J. Trump, and long live the United States of America.”

Their appeal comes amid renewed international attention to religious violence in Nigeria.

It was earlier reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump had redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing what he described as mass killings of Christians.

In a social media post, Trump wrote: “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria, thousands and thousands of Christians are being killed, radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a country of particular concern, that is a legal definition.”

He urged the U.S. Congress to act swiftly, saying: “Something has to be done, I am asking Congressman Riley Moore together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee to immediately look into this matter to report back to me, I mean like immediately.”

Trump further warned that the United States could take measures, including cutting aid or military action, to protect religious minorities. “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and other countries,” he added.

However, the Nigerian government has rejected the genocide claims, insisting that the nation’s constitution protects all religions and that security challenges affect communities across faith lines.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)