United States President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his position that Washington will not remain passive while “Christians are being killed” in Nigeria, warning that the U.S. could consider military action if the violence persists.
In a statement released by the White House and posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump announced that Nigeria has been redesignated a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)”, citing what he described as “large-scale killings of Christians” allegedly carried out by extremist groups.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. 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. That is a legal definition.”
The U.S. president warned that Washington could cut foreign aid or even launch a military intervention if the situation does not improve.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and other countries. We are able and willing to defend Christians. The killing of Christians will not continue,” he declared.
Trump also directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to lead a congressional investigation into the reported attacks and submit their findings promptly.
“Something has to be done, I mean immediately,” Trump insisted, describing the violence as “Christian genocide.”
He hinted that possible U.S. intervention could include military operations aimed at protecting religious minorities in northern Nigeria.
Nigeria Responds: “We Are a Democratic Nation With Religious Freedom”
The Nigerian government has strongly denied allegations of Christian persecution, dismissing the claims as a misrepresentation of the country’s complex security challenges.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement from the State House, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said.
“Since taking office in 2023, my administration has maintained active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders while tackling insecurity affecting citizens across all faiths and regions.”
He added that portraying Nigeria as a religiously intolerant nation “does not reflect our national reality.”
“Our government continues to promote peaceful coexistence and safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians,” the president added.
China, EU Back Nigeria’s Sovereignty
Trump’s comments have sparked strong international reactions, with global powers urging restraint and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China “firmly opposes any country using religion or human rights as an excuse to interfere in another nation’s internal affairs or threaten it with sanctions or force.”
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China stands by Nigeria as it leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions,” Mao stated.
The European Union (EU) also weighed in.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.
“The EU’s relationship with Nigeria is guided by long-standing partnership and shared values, not external political pressure,” Mignot told reporters in Lagos.
Global Spotlight on Religious Freedom in Nigeria
The renewed U.S. designation and Trump’s remarks have placed Nigeria’s human rights and religious freedom record back in the global spotlight. Observers say the development could influence future U.S.–Nigeria relations, foreign aid policies, and international cooperation on counterterrorism.
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