Trump Designates Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Over Alleged Christian Killings
Former US President Donald Trump has announced the re-designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged mass killings of Christians in the country.
The move comes just three months after Washington tightened its visa policy for Nigerians, reducing most travel visas to single-entry and three-month validity.
Trump made the announcement on Friday via his Truth Social account, saying Nigeria faces an “existential threat” to Christianity.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump said. “When Christians—or any such group—are being killed like what’s happening in Nigeria, something must be done.”
He directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman, Tom Cole, to investigate the alleged killings and report back to him.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities continue. We are ready and able to defend our Christian population around the world,” he added.
Renewed Tensions
The move revives a controversy that began in December 2020 when Trump’s administration first placed Nigeria on the CPC list under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). That decision was later reversed in 2021 by former President Joe Biden’s administration, which argued that while Nigeria faced serious insecurity, there was no clear evidence of state-sponsored religious persecution.
By reinstating the designation, Trump’s administration suggests that the situation has worsened and that the Nigerian government has failed to stop the violence against Christians and religious minorities.
Pressure From US Lawmakers
Trump’s decision follows growing pressure from US lawmakers and religious advocacy groups.
In September 2025, Senator Ted Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, which seeks to reinstate the CPC tag and sanction officials found complicit in religious persecution.
The bill, co-sponsored by several Republican senators, claims that over 52,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2009 and that more than 20,000 churches have been attacked or destroyed.
It also directs the US State Department to monitor Nigeria’s human rights record and recommend visa bans or sanctions where necessary.
Representative Riley Moore praised Trump’s action, saying, “You have always been a champion for Christians around the world. Thank you for standing up for those being slaughtered by extremists.”
What the CPC Tag Means
Under US law, a “Country of Particular Concern” is any nation found to commit or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom — such as torture, arbitrary detention, or denial of life and liberty on religious grounds.
The designation allows the US President to impose sanctions, restrict aid, or apply diplomatic pressure. Other countries currently on the list include China, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and North Korea.
Analysts say the decision could affect Nigeria’s investment climate and military cooperation with the US.
Visa Restrictions Deepen Rift
Trump’s announcement also follows a recent reduction in US visa privileges for Nigerians. The new policy cut most non-immigrant visas from two-year multiple entries to single-entry, three-month validity.
According to the US Embassy in Abuja, the move was part of a global reciprocity review to align visa terms with how other countries treat American travelers.
However, the timing of the visa restrictions and now the CPC re-designation has sparked speculation of deeper diplomatic strain between both nations.
Mixed Reactions
The decision has drawn mixed reactions in both the US and Nigeria.
Senator Ted Budd praised Trump’s move, calling it “a necessary response to the brutal slaughtering of Christians and other religious minorities.”
But some critics argue that the decision is more symbolic than practical. Former Texas mayor Mike Arnold wrote, “It’s a start, but it won’t stop the killings. The real work of rebuilding and peace still lies ahead.
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In Nigeria, opinions were split.
Former Kaduna senator Shehu Sani criticized the US for “moral inconsistency,” while Archbishop Osazee Williams from the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops in London said the designation was valid but cautioned against framing the crisis purely as a “Christian genocide.”
“Yes, there are killings, but both Christians and Muslims have suffered. Every soul matters,” he said.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also warned that the decision could affect Nigeria’s military cooperation with the US, particularly arms purchases and counterterrorism efforts.
“Now, with potential sanctions, how do we fight the same terrorists responsible for these killings?” he asked.
Meanwhile, a senior aide to Nigeria’s President said the government would use “all diplomatic means” to resolve the matter, expressing confidence that both nations would eventually “find common ground.”
