Trump
By Chris Williams
United States President Donald Trump has raised the alarm over what he calls an “existential threat” to Christians in Nigeria, designating the West African nation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations.
In a strongly worded statement posted on social media from aboard Air Force One, Trump highlighted shocking statistics on Christian killings and directed key congressional figures to investigate urgently.
This move comes amid reports of over 7,000 Christians killed in Nigeria this year alone, far exceeding global figures outside the country.         
The announcement has drawn praise from US lawmakers but sparked concerns about potential sanctions and diplomatic tensions with Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country.
Trump’s Urgent Call for Action
In his post, Trump stated: “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. 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. When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done! I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me. 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!”
The designation as a CPC allows the US to impose sanctions or other measures on countries where religious freedoms are severely violated. Trump specifically tasked Congressman Riley Moore, along with Chairman Tom Cole of the House Appropriations Committee, to probe the issue and report back promptly. This signals a potential for economic or diplomatic pressure on Nigeria to address the alleged atrocities.
Shocking Statistics on Violence Against Christians
Trump’s statement cited figures showing 3,100 Christians killed in Nigeria compared to 4,476 worldwide, underscoring the country’s disproportionate share of such violence. Independent reports from groups like Open Doors indicate that more Christians are killed annually in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined, with over 7,000 deaths recorded in 2025 alone. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 17,000 Christians were targeted and killed due to their faith, and in the first seven months of 2025, an additional 3,500 perished in similar attacks.
The violence is often attributed to radical Islamist groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militants, who target Christian communities in the north and Middle Belt regions. Attacks include brutal killings, kidnappings, and destruction of churches, with women and children often bearing the brunt through sexual violence and forced displacement. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), 52,915 civilians have been killed in targeted political violence since 2011, though religion is just one factor amid broader insecurity issues like banditry and communal clashes.
US Lawmakers Rally Behind Trump’s Move
The designation has received strong support from Republican figures in Congress. Congressman Riley Moore, whom Trump directed to lead the investigation, applauded the decision, noting that over 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in 2025. “President Trump’s action sends a clear message that religious persecution will not be tolerated,” Moore said.
Senator Ted Cruz echoed this, stating the move renews focus on Nigeria’s human rights crisis. House Appropriations Committee leaders Tom Cole, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Riley Moore commended the CPC label, urging further steps to protect religious minorities. Advocacy groups like International Christian Concern have long pushed for this, citing Nigeria as the deadliest place for Christians.
Nigeria’s Response and Broader Implications
Nigerian officials have yet to respond officially, but past designations have sparked diplomatic friction. The country has faced criticism for not doing enough to stop the violence, with security forces often accused of slow responses or bias. While religion plays a role, experts note that conflicts also stem from ethnic tensions, resource disputes, and climate change effects on herder-farmer relations.
The CPC status could lead to US sanctions, aid cuts, or trade limits, impacting Nigeria’s economy. Human rights groups welcome the attention but urge balanced approaches that address all violence, not just religious aspects.
As investigations begin, the world watches how this plays out, with hopes for real steps to end the bloodshed in Nigeria’s troubled regions.
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