The United States has announced plans to collaborate with the Nigerian government to arrest perpetrators of religious violence, protect Christians, and rescue those held hostage after designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), said the move followed long-standing concerns about attacks on Christians. She praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for his decision, describing it as a step toward ending religious persecution in Nigeria.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, claimed that Christianity in Nigeria faced an “existential threat,” warning that Washington could take strong actions — including possible military intervention — if the Tinubu administration failed to respond effectively.
In its reaction, the Nigerian government dismissed the U.S. claim as false and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all citizens and promoting religious tolerance.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress is debating a bill, sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, that could impose sanctions on Nigerian officials and non-state actors involved in enforcing the Sharia Penal Code or blasphemy laws. The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 also targets individuals complicit in violence against religious groups.
USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood said Nigeria’s inclusion on the list stemmed from years of government failure to address religious violence, noting that the commission had documented such violations since 2009.
Citing recent attacks in Benue and Katsina states, USCIRF said continued enforcement of blasphemy laws and unchecked violence justified Nigeria’s designation as a violator of religious freedom.
However, China strongly criticised the U.S. decision, calling it “foreign interference.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing stood firmly with Nigeria, opposing any attempts to use religion or human rights to exert political pressure.
At home, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris assured that President Bola Tinubu remained calm and focused, working to reinforce national security and ensure the protection of lives and property. He said Tinubu was engaging global partners to clarify Nigeria’s position and maintain international confidence.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also rejected the U.S. claim, stating that recent terrorist attacks in the region targeted all faiths and communities, not just Christians. It warned that framing the violence as genocide was “false and dangerous.”
The European Union urged restraint, affirming support for religious freedom and peacebuilding in Nigeria while cautioning against simplifying the country’s violence as faith-based.
Meanwhile, former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.) alleged that the U.S. might be using the narrative of Christian persecution to justify plans for a military base in Nigeria, warning against allowing foreign powers to exploit internal divisions.
The Southern and Middle Belt Forum described the U.S. designation as a “wake-up call” for the Nigerian government to act decisively against insecurity. It also renewed calls for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to promote national reconciliation.
In separate reactions, former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa urged Tinubu to adopt a diplomatic approach with Washington, while the Yoruba Ronu Group condemned Trump’s comments as “provocative and reckless.”
Civil society organisations also faulted the government’s delayed ambassadorial appointments, urging it to respond with verified data and diplomacy to counter the genocide allegations.
