By Crystal Ugoeze
A viral statement circulating on social media has drawn nationwide attention after some Northern Nigerians responded to Donald Trump’s alleged warning of possible U.S. military action in Nigeria with an unusual message: “If the U.S. military invades Nigeria, our mosquitoes will fight back. Your soldiers will get malaria and fever.”
The comment, delivered in a video widely shared across Facebook and TikTok, was issued in reaction to Trump’s claim that Christians in Northern Nigeria are being targeted, and his suggestion that America may intervene. In the video, the speaker, Comrade Mohammed Ali Ringim who identifies himself as an ex security expert, insists that Christians and Muslims in the region live together peacefully, rejecting the allegation of religious persecution.
“We are not killing Christians here,” the speaker said. “We are all living together as one. But if America sends its soldiers here, our mosquitoes will deal with them.”
The remark, while delivered with humor, has sparked a serious conversation across the country. Some Nigerians viewed it as a display of national pride and resistance to foreign interference. Others expressed concern that such statements could be misinterpreted internationally and heighten diplomatic tensions.
Public affairs analysts say the reaction highlights deep sensitivities around Nigeria’s sovereignty and the portrayal of religious conflict in the country. They note that while there are documented cases of violence involving religious and ethnic groups, many communities in Northern Nigeria continue to coexist peacefully.
The Federal Government has not issued an official response to the viral message, but senior diplomats have consistently stated that Nigeria will address its internal security challenges without foreign military intervention.
Debate continues online as Nigerians argue whether the tone of the response promotes unity or risks provoking further misunderstanding.