Trump Declares Nigeria Country of Concern Over Religious Killings

Trump Declares Nigeria Country of Concern Over Religious Killings

Former United States President Donald Trump has designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over what he described as the systematic killing of Christians across the country.

In a post on his Truth Social account on Friday, Trump alleged that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” citing what he called the alarming rate of Christian killings by extremist groups.

“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump said.

“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ — but that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered as is happening in Nigeria, something must be done!”

He added that he had directed U.S. Congressman Riley Moore, along with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate the matter and report back to him, stressing that the U.S. would not “stand by while such atrocities continue.”

Under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, a Country of Particular Concern refers to nations that permit severe violations of religious freedom, including torture, forced disappearances, or denial of the right to life and security. Such a designation may attract economic or diplomatic sanctions from the United States.

Nigeria was previously listed as a CPC between 2017 and 2021 during Trump’s first term, but the administration of President Joe Biden removed the country from the list shortly after taking office.

Reacting to the development, the Nigerian government dismissed the allegations as “false and misleading.”

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the claims by U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore were inaccurate and unfair.

“The Nigerian government does not promote or tolerate religious persecution,” Ebienfa said.

“From Boko Haram and ISWAP to bandits, these groups kill both Christians and Muslims. It’s not a case of targeting one religion.”

He added that the Bola Tinubu administration remained committed to protecting all citizens irrespective of their faith and was intensifying efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate has begun moves to address the concerns raised by the U.S. designation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on October 9, met with heads of security agencies to review measures aimed at preventing further sectarian violence and ensuring national cohesion.