Russia warns U.S. over possible military action in Nigeria

Russia has cautioned the United States to respect international law amid reports Washington may consider military action in Nigeria.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow is “closely monitoring” the situation and urged “strict compliance with international legal norms.”

The African Union also warned the U.S. against undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, calling for diplomatic dialogue.

President Bola Tinubu, meanwhile, is rallying global support to strengthen the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

He urged intelligence sharing and international cooperation, reaffirming Nigeria as “a reliable partner” in promoting regional security.

Tinubu met separately with the Sultan of Sokoto, Bishop Ignatius Kaigama, and other religious leaders following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks describing Nigeria as a country of religious persecution.

Reactions remain mixed, while PFN President Bishop Wale Oke backed Trump’s concerns, the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) dismissed them as biased and misleading.