United States President Donald Trump has designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged large-scale killings of Christians.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump claimed that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, alleging that “radical Islamists” were behind what he called a “mass slaughter.”
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote. “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.”
He directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the situation, adding that “something must be done” to protect Christian populations worldwide.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’ But that is the least of it… We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!” he stated.
Nigeria Dismisses Trump’s Allegations
The Nigerian government swiftly dismissed the claim, calling it “false and misleading.”
In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Trump’s comments “do not reflect the situation on the ground.” It maintained that religious freedom remains protected in Nigeria and that Christians freely practice their faith across the country.
“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the ministry said.
It reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fighting terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting all citizens.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people,” the statement added.
Nigeria also pledged to engage constructively with Washington to promote mutual understanding of its security realities.
A Familiar Designation
Trump’s declaration is a return to a controversial label first placed on Nigeria in 2020 during his previous administration. That decision followed recommendations from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which cited Boko Haram attacks, communal clashes, and government inaction.
Nigeria became the first secular democracy ever added to the list — a status typically reserved for countries accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
Trump’s latest comments follow weeks of lobbying by some Republican lawmakers urging sanctions against Nigeria for alleged Christian persecution — accusations Nigerian officials have repeatedly described as politically motivated and inaccurate.
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