President Trump announced Friday his designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing widespread killings of Christians in the West African nation.
On Truth Social, Trump stated that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” with “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.” He added, “I am hereby making Nigeria a “COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN” — But that is the least of it.”
The President emphasized the necessity of taking action when individuals face persecution for their faith.
Trump indicated he has instructed Representatives Riley Moore (R-W. Va.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and members of the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the situation and provide him with their findings.
Trump asserted that “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries,” proclaiming, “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”
The situation for Christians in Nigeria has reached an alarming level. Islamist groups sweeping through the country’s northern and central regions have burned entire villages, killed worshipers during Sunday services, and displaced thousands.
In June, militants attacked a bishop’s village, mere days after his testimony before Congress, an incident that resulted in over twenty fatalities. Similar assaults in Plateau and Benue states have claimed hundreds of lives this year alone; survivors recount gunmen shouting, “Allahu Akbar” while setting churches and homes ablaze.
According to the international watchdog group Open Doors, nearly 70% of all Christians killed for their faith worldwide last year were in Nigeria. The group warns that Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani militant herders are responsible for most of the bloodshed, frequently targeting Christian farmers in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Rights organizations estimate that thousands of believers are murdered annually, while countless others are forced to flee.
Mark Walker, President Trump’s ambassador-designate for International Religious Freedom, informed Digital that the United States must do everything possible to pressure Nigeria’s government to act.
Walker estimated that “Even being conservative, it’s probably 4,000 to 8,000 Christians killed annually,” adding, “This has been going on for years — from ISWAP to Islamist Fulani ethnic militias — and the Nigerian government has to be much more proactive.”
Walker, a former pastor and Republican congressman from North Carolina, stated that despite awaiting confirmation, he already collaborates with church networks across Africa to help safeguard missionaries and local believers.
He stressed, “This isn’t about appropriations or politics — this is about human life. We’re talking about boys and girls, about women being kidnapped and horrific things happening. All of us should raise our voices.”
Walker also mentioned his intention to collaborate closely with [unspecified entity] to enhance U.S. advocacy upon his confirmation. He noted, “Fortunately, we have a Secretary of State who has been one of the stronger voices,” stating, “He’s already put out statements and is very in tune with what’s going on. I look forward to advising him when it comes to countries of particular concern.”
The White House has also acknowledged a surge in anti-Christian violence across sub-Saharan Africa, a region where various unnamed factors and porous borders contribute to the situation. Both Pope Leo and the U.S. State Department have condemned recent massacres in Nigeria, cautioning that the crisis risks spreading beyond the country’s borders.
Walker asserted, “The United States should always stand up for freedom of religion, and that starts with speaking the truth about what’s happening.”
Despite ongoing warnings from humanitarian organizations, Nigerian officials dispute claims of systematic targeting of Christians. Information Minister Mohammed Idris recently told Digital that allegations of mass persecution are “very misleading,” rejecting U.S. reports that tens of thousands have been killed.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) recently informed Digital that “since 2009, over 50,000 Christians in Nigeria have been massacred,” and “over 20,000 churches and Christian schools have been destroyed.” He labeled the violence “a crisis of religious genocide” and advocated for more stringent U.S. intervention.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed these criticisms, stating to Nigeria’s Daily Post, “Christians are not targeted. We have religious harmony in our country.”
Notwithstanding the political discourse, the facts on the ground remain grim; churches continue to burn, and millions live in fear. Western governments have issued statements but implemented minimal concrete measures to halt the killings or aid survivors, according to a priest from Plateau State, who remarked, “When the world stays silent, the killers return.”
Paul Tilsley contributed to this report.