JUST IN: Tinubu Jets to Washington Tuesday, Set to Meet Trump’s Vice, JD Vance Amid Diplomatic Tensions Over US Threats and Christian Killings Allegation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to depart Nigeria on Tuesday for a high-stakes diplomatic visit to the United States, amid escalating tensions between Abuja and Washington following America’s renewed designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and threats of possible military action over alleged killings of Christians.

According to SaharaReporters, presidential sources confirmed that the Nigerian leader’s trip will feature top-level engagements with senior US officials. The sources added that US President Donald Trump has delegated his Vice President, James David Vance (JD Vance), to host Tinubu during the visit, pending any last-minute changes.

The visit comes at a delicate time, as Washington’s latest move has rattled diplomatic circles, with the US leader vowing to “go in guns blazing” against terrorist groups in Nigeria if the reported religious attacks persist.

> “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet — just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians,” Trump declared in a recent post that has sent shockwaves across global diplomatic networks.

Common Front Against Terrorism

Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, confirmed that both nations share long-standing interests in counterterrorism and global security. He noted that President Tinubu and President Trump—or their representatives—are expected to meet either at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja or the White House in Washington in the coming days.

> “Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump share a common interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity,” Bwala said, adding that Nigeria remains committed to its security partnership with the United States.

Bwala further emphasized that the US had previously supported Nigeria through critical arms deals that strengthened the nation’s counterterrorism capabilities, crediting the Tinubu administration for putting such resources to effective use.

> “President Trump greatly assisted Nigeria by authorising arms sales, which President Tinubu has effectively utilized in the fight against terrorism. We have massive results to show for it,” he stated.

In recent weeks, the US government’s assertion that Nigeria faces targeted killings of Christians has ignited controversy. The Nigerian Presidency has consistently dismissed such claims as misleading, insisting that terrorist violence affects all citizens — Christians, Muslims, and those of no faith alike.

> “As for the differences on whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or people of all faiths, such issues, if they exist, will be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet,” Bwala said.

Nigeria Reiterates Its Commitment to Religious Harmony

The Nigerian government maintains that it upholds the constitutional rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, while reaffirming its commitment to sustaining peace and interfaith harmony across the country.

Tinubu’s upcoming US visit is therefore seen as a critical diplomatic effort — one that could either mend frayed ties with Washington or redefine Nigeria’s foreign policy posture amid rising international scrutiny.

As the world watches closely, analysts say the outcome of Tinubu’s meeting with JD Vance could set the tone for the next chapter in US–Nigeria relations — a relationship currently strained by rhetoric, religion, and realpolitik.