President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump has declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing what he described as an existential threat to Christianity in the West African nation.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Trump condemned what he called the “mass slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria, alleging that radical Islamist groups are responsible for widespread killings and persecution.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump said.
According to Trump, an estimated 3,100 Christians have been killed in Nigeria — a figure he compared to 4,476 Christian deaths recorded worldwide — underscoring what he called a “devastating and unacceptable crisis.”
He directed Congressman Riley Moore, together with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to urgently investigate the situation and report back with recommendations.
“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,” Trump declared.
The designation of a Country of Particular Concern is one of the most serious labels the U.S. government can apply to a nation, typically reserved for countries engaged in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom.
If formally implemented, the move could have significant diplomatic implications for U.S.–Nigeria relations, potentially leading to sanctions or restrictions under the International Religious Freedom Act.
Nigeria has faced global scrutiny over escalating violence attributed to extremist groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed militias in parts of the Middle Belt and North-West regions. While successive Nigerian administrations have condemned the attacks, human rights groups and religious organizations continue to decry what they describe as inadequate protection for Christian communities and other vulnerable groups.
Trump’s statement marks one of the strongest U.S. political reactions yet to reports of religious persecution in Nigeria and is likely to rekindle international debate over the country’s handling of sectarian violence.
