Donald Trump’s fiery menace to “go in guns-a-blazing” in opposition to Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution has triggered a diplomatic uproar, and unexpectedly pulled Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) into the crossfire.
The controversy revives previous tensions surrounding the detention of former Binance government Tigran Gambaryan, deepening scrutiny of each US–Nigeria relations and the rising geopolitical footprint of crypto.
Sponsored
Trump’s Ultimatum Sparks World Consideration
Trump declared on Reality Social that the US would “immediately stop all aid and assistance” to Nigeria. He indicated potential navy motion if “killings of Christians” continued.
The president additionally claimed to have instructed the “Department of War” to arrange for a “fast, vicious, and sweet” strike. US Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth endorsed the warning, amplifying Trump’s ultimatum.
Sure sir.
The killing of harmless Christians in Nigeria — and wherever — should finish instantly. The Division of Struggle is making ready for motion. Both the Nigerian Authorities protects Christians, or we’ll kill the Islamic Terrorists who’re committing these horrible atrocities. pic.twitter.com/C0v9RHGoS1
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) November 1, 2025
The state of affairs escalated additional when CZ referenced Binance’s previous battle with Nigeria, reigniting a year-old diplomatic and authorized wound.
CZ Revives Gambaryan Case, Then Deletes His Put up
Changpeng Zhao alleged Nigeria “kidnapped” Gambaryan, who was detained for eight months in 2024 throughout an investigation into Binance’s operations.
Sponsored
“Nigeria also basically kidnapped Tigran Gambaryan, an ex-Binance employee and an ex-US federal agent, for 8 months without cause a year ago,” wrote CZ.
Gambaryan, a US citizen and Binance’s former compliance head, was arrested on February 26, 2024, together with colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla throughout an investigation into Binance’s operations in Nigeria.
Anjarwalla escaped custody weeks later, whereas Gambaryan remained in Kuje Jail dealing with cash laundering and tax-related allegations.
The case drew worldwide consideration after 18 US attorneys basic urged the White Home to categorise Gambaryan as a hostage. Nigeria denied any mistreatment, saying he obtained medical care, due course of, and consular entry.
Sponsored
Zhao’s publish went viral earlier than he eliminated it amid backlash from Nigerians who stated his feedback misrepresented their authorized system.
Nigerians Push Again, Defend Authorized Sovereignty
A number of Nigerian voices pushed again in opposition to claims of kidnapping or hostage taking. One person countered Zhao, stressing Nigeria’s proper to implement legal guidelines and defend its economic system below judicial oversight.
“Nigeria did not kidnap anyone. The government lawfully arrested and investigated a Binance representative based on credible allegations. Every sovereign nation has the right to enforce its laws and protect its economy…Calling a lawful arrest ‘kidnapping’ is misleading and disrespectful to Nigeria’s legal system,” the person wrote.
Others identified that residents, not the federal government, had campaigned on-line for Gambaryan’s launch throughout his detention, distancing the Nigerian public from state actions.
Sponsored
One other respondent argued that “just as the United States created Binance.US to comply with its laws, Nigeria reserves the right to enforce compliance within its jurisdiction.”
In the meantime, Gambaryan himself reignited the controversy by alleging Nigerian officers “extorted the Biden administration out of $50 million” to safe his launch, calling the federal government a “lawless regime.”
The convergence of Trump’s militant rhetoric, Binance’s lingering authorized points, and Gambaryan’s lawsuit has positioned Nigeria on the middle of a worldwide storm, one the place crypto, politics, and diplomacy collide.
Nigeria stays a vital marketplace for crypto adoption in Africa regardless of previous friction with international exchanges. In 2024, Binance suspended naira buying and selling after dealing with regulatory crackdowns and accusations of capital flight.
Binance’s lingering tax instances and Gambaryan’s $70 million lawsuit may additional take a look at its relations with Nigeria.
