Nigerian army deletes tweet that quoted Trump on protesters

The advisory opinion on social media was issued in response to a barrage of questions posed to Steve Berlin, executive director of the Board of Ethics, during City Council budget hearings. | AP file photo

LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigeria’s military is facing criticism after sending out a tweet that appeared to use President Trump’s comments as justification for shooting and killing protesters in the West African nation.

The tweet, which has since been deleted, referenced a video of Trump where he suggested that U.S. soldiers on the country’s southwestern border may open fire if migrants throw rocks at them. Trump insisted Friday that he meant that rock-throwers would be arrested.

The tweet on the Nigerian army’s Twitter account stated: “Please Watch and Make Your Deductions.”

The military did not return calls seeking comment on the deleted tweet.

Nigeria’s main Shiite Muslim movement says the army killed at least 50 of its members who were protesting this week. Nigeria’s military said it killed six people and claims the protesters had fired first.

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