Trump Labels Nigeria a ‘Country of Concern’ Over Christian Persecution

Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has expressed grave concern over what he described as an “existential threat” facing Christianity in Nigeria, urging immediate intervention by American lawmakers to address the rising wave of killings targeting Christians in the West African nation.

In a statement shared via his verified social media account, Trump claimed that “thousands of Christians are being killed” in Nigeria, alleging that “radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.” He further declared his intention to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing what he called alarming rates of persecution.

“When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done!” Trump wrote.

The former president disclosed that he had tasked Congressman Riley Moore, along with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to “immediately look into this matter and report back.”

Trump warned that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries,” adding that America must be “ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”

The comments come amid ongoing reports of religious violence and attacks in northern and central Nigeria, where militant groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have targeted both civilians and religious communities for years.

While the Nigerian government has repeatedly maintained that it is tackling insecurity across all fronts, critics argue that religiously motivated attacks remain underreported or inadequately addressed.

Trump’s statement marks one of his strongest public positions yet on Nigeria’s internal security crisis, echoing earlier calls by international religious freedom organizations urging Washington to reinstate Nigeria on the U.S. watchlist of countries persecuting religious minorities.

The Nigerian authorities have yet to respond to Trump’s remarks.