Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has claimed that Christians in Nigeria are facing an “existential threat,” alleging that thousands have been killed by what he described as “radical Islamists.”
In a post shared on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump said, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”
He announced that Nigeria would be placed on the U.S. government’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act — a designation reserved for nations accused of systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom.
The former president also urged the U.S. Congress, including lawmakers such as Riley Moore, Tom Cole, and members of the House Appropriations Committee, to investigate what he described as “the mass persecution of Christians in Nigeria.”
Trump added that the U.S. was “ready, willing and able to save our great Christian population around the world,” suggesting that his administration, if returned to office, would consider sanctions or other punitive actions against countries deemed to be persecuting Christians.
His remarks have sparked wide debate, particularly among international human rights observers and faith groups, with some calling for a more nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s complex security and ethnic conflicts.
Nigeria’s Reaction
The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed the claims made by Donald Trump, insisting that they do not reflect the true situation in the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said that Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.
The statement, signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry, reaffirmed that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting the rights of all citizens.
“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the statement read.
It further stated that 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.
The government emphasized that acts of violence in Nigeria are not targeted at a single religious group but stem from broader security challenges, including terrorism, communal conflicts, and economic pressures.
