Trump Designates Nigeria As ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Over Christian Killings, Orders Probe

Last Updated:November 01, 2025, 07:53 IST

Trump condemned what he described as widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria and accused “radical Islamists” of carrying out a “mass slaughter”.

US President Donald Trump. (Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump on Friday, October 31, announced that Nigeria has been designated a “country of particular concern", citing what he called an “existential threat" to Christianity in the West African nation.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social account, Trump condemned what he described as widespread killings of Christians and accused “radical Islamists" of carrying out a “mass slaughter". He said that “thousands of Christians are being killed" in Nigeria and urged immediate action.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter," Trump wrote. “When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria, something must be done."

The president directed Congressman Riley Moore and Chairman Tom Cole, along with the House Appropriations Committee, to investigate the situation and report their findings to him.

"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!" - PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP pic.twitter.com/jvWcJmUPJ7— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 31, 2025

Trump calls for action

Trump declared that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening," pledging support for persecuted Christians worldwide.

“The United States stands ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world," he said, adding that Washington must use its influence to protect the right to religious freedom wherever it is under threat.

His remarks come amid rising reports of violence targeting Christian communities in Nigeria, particularly in the country’s northern and central regions, where armed Islamist groups, including Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani militants, have been blamed for numerous deadly attacks.

Violence in Nigeria

In June, militants attacked the home village of a Nigerian bishop, just days after he testified before the US Congress about Christian persecution, killing more than twenty people. The assault was one of several deadly incidents this year in Plateau and Benue states, where hundreds have been killed.

Witnesses from affected communities have described churches being burned, worshippers gunned down during Sunday services, and villages razed to the ground. Survivors say gunmen shouted “Allahu Akbar" as they torched homes and fled with stolen livestock.

According to the international watchdog group Open Doors, nearly 70% of all Christians killed for their faith worldwide in the past year were in Nigeria. The organisation attributes the violence primarily to Islamist insurgents and armed herders targeting Christian farmers.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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News world Trump Designates Nigeria As ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Over Christian Killings, Orders Probe

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