Authored by Jack Phillips via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),

The Nigerian government on Sunday responded to a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States could take military action in the African nation if its government does not more to curb the persecution of Christians there by Islamic terrorists.

"We welcome U.S. assistance as long as it recognizes our territorial integrity," Daniel Bwala, an adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, told Reuters.

On Saturday, Tinubu rejected accusations of religious persecution against Christians and defended Nigeria's "sincere efforts" to protect religious freedom.