The Federal Government has dismissed recent remarks by United States President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and declaring the country a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described Trump’s claims as inaccurate and not representative of the situation in Nigeria.
“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,” the statement read.
The government emphasised that Nigerians of all faiths have coexisted peacefully for decades, living, working, and worshipping together across the country. While acknowledging international concern for human rights and religious freedom, it insisted that Trump’s assertions misrepresented Nigeria’s reality.
According to the statement, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria remains firmly committed to combating terrorism, fostering interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the lives and rights of all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.
The ministry added that Nigeria would continue to engage with the United States through diplomatic channels to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation on security and regional stability.
Trump had, on Friday night, announced via his Truth Social platform, later shared on the White House’s official X handle, that he had designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” The U.S. president claimed that Christianity faced an “existential threat” in Nigeria, alleging that thousands of Christians had been killed by “radical Islamists.”
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump stated.
Citing figures he described as alarming, Trump said, “When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done.”
He further urged U.S. lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to “immediately look into this matter” and take legislative action.
“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 Nigerian government, however, maintains that the allegations are exaggerated and fail to acknowledge the country’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts and progress in restoring peace and religious coexistence across affected regions.
