United States Government has redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution, citing claims of mass killings of Christians by Islamist extremist groups.
President Donald Trump made the announcement via his verified social media account on Friday, stating that Christianity was facing an “existential threat” in Nigeria.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote. “I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ — But that is the least of it.”
He further called on Congressman Riley Moore and Chairman Tom Cole of the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the matter and report back to him.
The CPC designation, under the International Religious Freedom Act, allows the U.S. to impose sanctions or take diplomatic actions against countries found to be violating religious freedoms.
Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, dismissed the genocide claims as “inaccurate and misleading,” stating that the country remains committed to protecting the rights of all religious groups.
“The Nigerian Government rejects any characterization of its internal security challenges as religious persecution,” Tuggar said. “Violence in parts of the country affects both Christians and Muslims alike.”
The Presidency also described the move as “politically motivated,” urging the U.S. to engage in constructive dialogue rather than unilateral declarations.
Meanwhile, religious leaders across Nigeria have expressed mixed reactions. While some Christian groups welcomed the international attention, others cautioned against external interference that could inflame tensions.
Senator Ted Cruz had earlier echoed similar concerns, alleging that Nigeria was experiencing a “Christian genocide,” a claim that has been widely debated both locally and internationally.
Ravenewsonline reports that Nigeria was previously designated a CPC in 2020 during Trump’s first term, but the label was removed by the Biden administration in 2021.
The latest designation is expected to stir diplomatic conversations between Abuja and Washington in the coming weeks.
