United States President Donald Trump has designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over what he described as rising attacks and “mass slaughter” of Christians — a move that has triggered diplomatic ripples and fresh debate over the nation’s insecurity crisis.
Trump, in a statement posted on his Truth Social account on Friday, claimed “thousands of Christians” had been killed in Nigeria and accused what he called “radical Islamists” of launching a religious war.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed… Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” he wrote.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.”
He also directed U.S. lawmakers Riley Moore and Tom Cole to immediately investigate the alleged persecution and report to him.
Trump claimed that 3,100 of 4,476 religious-violence-related deaths globally allegedly occurred in Nigeria, insisting the U.S. was “ready and able” to defend global Christian communities.
The Federal Government swiftly dismissed the former U.S. president’s declaration as misleading and divisive.
Earlier in September, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had described allegations of Christian genocide as “false, baseless, and harmful.
”Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is inaccurate,” Idris said.
“Muslims, Christians and non-religious citizens have all suffered from terrorism. These criminals target anyone who rejects their murderous ideology.”
He noted that between May 2023 and February 2025, Nigerian forces killed over 13,500 terrorists and rescued about 10,000 hostages, alongside major arrests and over 700 convictions of Boko Haram suspects.
The minister also highlighted that both the heads of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and the Police are Christians, arguing that claims of religious bias in the country’s security structure were unfounded.
U.S. Envoy Previously Dismissed Genocide Narrative
Trump’s stance appears to contrast remarks earlier made in Abuja by his Senior Adviser on Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, who said terrorism in Nigeria was not religiously targeted.
“Terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe,” Boulos said, adding that extremist groups have also killed more Muslims than Christians.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate has constituted a 12-member committee to study global allegations of Christian persecution and develop a fact-based diplomatic position for the country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio insisted Nigeria must counter “misleading narratives” with verified data.
However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) insists Christian communities have suffered repeated attacks and warned against downplaying concerns.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged the Federal Government to intensify protective efforts and prosecute offenders.
“These cries for justice are too often met with delay or denial,” CAN said, adding it has documented attacks and engaged international bodies including the International Criminal Court.
Idris cautioned against “foreign sensationalism,” insisting Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom and democratic values.
Diplomatic analysts say Trump’s remarks could influence U.S.–Nigeria relations, international aid positions, and global perceptions of Nigeria’s human-rights performance ahead of the 2026 U.S. elections.
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