U.S. 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 later amplified on the official White House X handle, marks a sharp escalation in Washington’s rhetoric toward Abuja.
The designation comes just three months after the U.S. government imposed stricter visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, limiting most travel visas to single-entry permits valid for only three months.
According to Trump, Nigeria faces an “existential threat” to its Christian population, claiming that “radical Islamists” were behind widespread killings across the country.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote. “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!”
He further directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to conduct an investigation into the alleged killings and submit a detailed report.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries,” Trump stated. “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”
The CPC designation.is among the most serious diplomatic sanctions under U.S. religious freedom laws. It is typically reserved for countries accused of engaging in, or tolerating, “systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations” of religious liberty.
Nations on this list may face restrictions on aid, arms sales, and other forms of bilateral cooperation unless they take concrete steps to address the cited issues.
