Trump flags Nigeria as ‘Country of concern’, warns of threat to Christians
Washington, D.C. – Former US President Donald Trump on Friday declared Nigeria a “country of particular concern.” He warned that Christianity faces an “existential threat” there due to rising violence between Muslim and Christian communities.
Trump shared his statement on Truth Social, blaming “radical Islamists” for the mass killings of Christians. He claimed thousands of Christians have died in Nigeria, calling the situation a “mass slaughter.”
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible. I am declaring Nigeria a country of particular concern,” Trump wrote. “When Christians or any group is slaughtered, something must be done.”
He urged Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the crisis and report back promptly. Trump emphasized that America cannot stand idle while such atrocities unfold. “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world,” he added.
Tensions in Nigeria have surged in recent months. In June, militants attacked the home village of a Nigerian bishop, killing more than 20 people. The attack came days after the bishop testified before the US Congress about religious persecution in Nigeria, according to Fox News.
Religious violence has long plagued Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. Extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to target Christian communities. These groups often burn churches, destroy villages, and kidnap worshippers.
Mark Walker, Trump’s nominee for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, supported Trump’s statement. He told Fox News that the United States must increase diplomatic pressure on Nigeria. Walker said Washington should hold Abuja accountable for failing to curb the violence.
Human rights organizations have also raised alarms. They report frequent attacks on Christian settlements in northern and central Nigeria. Security forces, they say, often fail to respond quickly, allowing militants to escape.
Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over how the US should handle religious persecution abroad. Supporters of his stance say the Biden administration has ignored worsening conditions in Nigeria. Critics, however, accuse Trump of exaggerating figures and inflaming sectarian divisions.
Despite the political divide, experts agree that violence in Nigeria poses a serious challenge to regional stability. Analysts note that unchecked attacks could fuel more displacement, deepen poverty, and spark cross-border conflicts.
As Trump pushes Congress to act, Nigeria faces mounting pressure from global human rights groups and foreign governments. Whether Washington takes concrete action remains uncertain. But the issue has once again placed Nigeria’s religious conflict in the global spotlight.
