President Trump’s threat to go “guns-a-blazing” into Nigeria concerned U.S. military officials in Africa and surprised even those who had been pushing the issue.

Trump also warned of aid cuts over alleged attacks on Christians, though an adviser to Nigeria’s president dismissed the remarks as a negotiating tactic.

Kevin Rideout, a Christian missionary in Niger, was taken from outside his house in Niamey last month. U.S. officials are scrambling to track him down.

Trump also warned of aid cuts over alleged attacks on Christians, though an adviser to Nigeria’s president dismissed the remarks as a negotiating tactic.

A fuel blockade imposed by al-Qaeda-aligned militants has paralyzed the capital of Mali and roiled its repressive military government.