Trump suggested on Saturday the U.S. could enter Nigeria "guns-a-blazing," separately telling reporters aboard Air Force One the following day that U.S. forces may launch aerial attacks or have a military presence in the country.

It’s still unclear what — if anything — the administration will do to counter Islamic militants in Nigeria, but precision drone strikes are among the preliminary options being considered.

The US president says his threat is over killings of Christians - though experts say there is no evidence they are disproportionately targeted.

"Nigeria is not a hostile country, Nigeria is a partner with the American government," an adviser to the Nigerian government said.

Trump’s threat to storm into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” to defend persecuted Christians was reportedly triggered after he watched a Fox News segment.