Trump Declares Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” Over Killings of Christians

The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has announced that Nigeria will be designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under America’s International Religious Freedom Act, citing what he described as the “mass slaughter” of Christians by radical Islamist groups across the country.

In a statement released Thursday night from Washington, President Trump warned that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, claiming that thousands of Christians have been killed in recent years.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump said. “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”

He further directed Congressman Riley Moore, together with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to “immediately look into the matter and report back.”

The designation places Nigeria back on the CPC list, after it was removed in 2021 by the Biden administration. The move could pave the way for U.S. sanctions, foreign aid restrictions, or diplomatic action depending on the findings of the investigation ordered by President Trump.

Nigeria was first added to the CPC list in 2020 during Trump’s earlier administration, following reports of escalating violence by Boko Haram and armed herdsmen targeting Christian communities.

According to international watchdogs such as Open Doors International and the International Christian Concern (ICC), more than 3,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in the past year alone—nearly two-thirds of all Christian killings recorded worldwide.