Nonetheless, Trump’s belligerent rhetoric has been able to get traction in part because Nigeria’s mass killings have gone on for years, seemingly with no end in sight. The Nigerian government needs to summon utmost political will, and marshal greater resources, to address the country’s insecurity.

Many Nigerians, including regional groups and diplomats, see Trump’s rhetoric as much more pernicious, viewing it as a threat of “invasion” and an insult to Nigeria’s sovereignty.

All that said, the high level of insecurity across the country has left many religious communities, including Christians, at risk, due to deficits of political will in the government and operational capacity in the military and other security services.