The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged widespread killings of Christians, describing the claim as false, exaggerated, and misleading.
In a statement released on Saturday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Trump’s assertions do not reflect Nigeria’s realities.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Friday, alleged that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” claiming that thousands of Christians were being killed by “radical Islamists.”
“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,” Trump said, adding that the United States “must act” to protect Christians worldwide.
Responding, the Nigerian government emphasized that such claims fail to capture the complex nature of the country’s security challenges. It maintained that terrorist attacks and communal conflicts in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims alike.
“While we acknowledge global concern for human rights and religious freedom, reports suggesting systematic persecution of Christians in Nigeria are inaccurate and do not reflect our security realities,” the statement read.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the government reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting all citizens regardless of faith.
The Ministry further reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong bilateral ties with the United States, noting that both nations continue to collaborate on security, governance, and development.
“Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the U.S. government to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and ongoing peace efforts,” it added.
The government attributed recent violence to terrorist and criminal groups exploiting ethnic and religious differences across the West African and Sahel regions. It also restated Nigeria’s commitment to remain a “God-fearing, tolerant, and inclusive nation guided by the rule of law.”
Trump’s remarks have reignited global attention on Nigeria’s religious tensions, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions.
Reacting to the controversy, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would “leave no stone unturned” in examining reports of attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Rubio condemned what he called “wanton destruction of lives and property by radical Islamists and Fulani militias,” stressing that the Trump-led administration “stands ready and willing to act.”
Despite the renewed U.S. scrutiny, Abuja insists that Nigeria remains a diverse and united nation, determined to defeat terrorism and preserve religious coexistence.
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