United States President Donald Trump has announced the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over what he described as the ongoing mass killing of Christians in the country.
Trump made the announcement on Friday, October 31, through a post on his Truth Social account, where he expressed alarm over what he called an “existential threat” to Christianity in Nigeria.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump declared. “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ — but that is the least of it.”
The U.S. leader claimed that 3,100 of the 4,476 Christians reportedly killed worldwide were from Nigeria, describing the situation as intolerable.
He urged immediate action from U.S. lawmakers to investigate the matter and propose solutions.
“When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria, something must be done!
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“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me,” he stated.
Trump added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries,” vowing that his administration stands “ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World.”
The designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” places it among nations the U.S. government accuses of severe violations of religious freedom, potentially paving the way for sanctions or other diplomatic measures.
The announcement follows renewed claims by US Senators Ted Cruz and Riley Moore, as well as international groups, including Open Doors, that Nigeria remains one of the deadliest countries for Christians, particularly in the Middle Belt.
However, the Nigerian government has rejected what it calls a “false genocide narrative.” Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as “baseless and divisive,” insisting that violence in Nigeria affects all citizens, regardless of faith.
Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the killings but warned against politicising the figures.
“Many Christian communities, particularly in northern Nigeria, have suffered attacks and loss of life,” CAN said, urging the government to ensure equal protection for all.