FG Rejects Trump’s ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Label on Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has dismissed remarks by the United States President Donald Trump, who alleged widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria and announced the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Nigerian government said the allegations “do not reflect the situation on the ground” and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens of all faiths.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’
These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the ministry stated.
According to the statement, the government “appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom” but maintained that the claims were “inaccurate and misleading.”
The ministry added that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria remains committed to combating terrorism, fostering interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the lives and rights of all its citizens.
“Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts,” it said.
Trump, in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Friday night — which was later shared on the White House’s official X handle — claimed that Christianity was “facing an existential threat” in Nigeria, blaming what he described as “radical Islamists” for the killings.
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“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 (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done!”
He further called on Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the U.S. House Appropriations Committee to “immediately look into the matter and report back.”
The president urged Congress to take decisive action, insisting that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and other countries.”
Trump’s remarks follow earlier calls by U.S. lawmakers for tougher diplomatic measures against Nigeria. Last month, Congressman Riley Moore urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to suspend arms sales to Nigeria, citing “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians.”
In response to these concerns, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told CNN that such allegations were based on faulty data and oversimplified assumptions.
“Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not just target one religion. They target Christians and also Muslims, especially in the northern part of the country,” Idris said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges were complex and rooted in terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than religious persecution.
In a related development, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, during a briefing in Abuja earlier in the week, called for improved protection of vulnerable communities and greater accountability for perpetrators of violence across the country.
The committee encouraged the Nigerian government to enhance cooperation with international partners to strengthen peacebuilding and justice systems.
Despite global concern, the Federal Government maintained that Nigeria’s situation is being exaggerated and reaffirmed its readiness to work with international allies to ensure accurate representation of facts and continued progress in its security reforms.