By Atoyebi Nike
United States President Donald Trump has again alleged that Christians in Nigeria are facing large-scale attacks, describing the situation as a direct threat to Christianity in the country. In a video shared on the White House X account on Wednesday, Trump claimed that “thousands” of Christians were being killed by what he called “radical Islamists.”
Trump announced that he was classifying Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” saying the designation follows US legal standards for nations accused of violating fundamental rights. He cited figures comparing killings in Nigeria to global numbers, insisting the statistics justify immediate action from Congress.
Calling for swift intervention, Trump directed Congressman Riley Moore, House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole and the committee to investigate the matter without delay. He stated that the United States “cannot stand by” while such attacks continue and vowed that Christian communities would be protected.
Trump had earlier warned that the US Department of War could be deployed if what he described as Christian genocide in Nigeria is not stopped. His remarks were initially shared on his Truth Social page and later reposted by the White House.
The “country of particular concern” label is an official US government designation typically issued when a nation is deemed to be engaging in or permitting severe violations of basic freedoms, according to the Family Research Council.
Nigeria’s Federal Government has repeatedly dismissed such claims. President Bola Tinubu, in a statement on November 1, said Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy committed to protecting religious liberty. He added that the portrayal of Nigeria as hostile to any faith “does not reflect our national reality,” noting that his administration continues to engage religious leaders and address security issues affecting citizens across communities.
