United States President Donald Trump has designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing what he described as ongoing genocide against Christians in the country.
The announcement, made on Friday via Trump’s Truth Social platform and amplified on the official White House X handle, marks a significant diplomatic development, coming just three months after Washington imposed stricter visa restrictions on Nigerians, limiting most travel visas to single-entry permits valid for three months.
In his post, Trump claimed that Nigeria was facing an “existential threat” to its Christian population, alleging that “radical Islamists” were behind widespread killings.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump stated. “I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’ But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria — 3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide — something must be done!”
Consequently, the U.S. president has directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the reported killings and provide a comprehensive report.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries,” Trump added. “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”
The CPC designation is one of the most severe religious freedom sanctions under U.S. foreign policy, typically reserved for countries accused of systematic, ongoing, or egregious violations of religious liberty.
