Nigeria rejects Donald Trump’s claim of mass Christian killings, saying his remarks are inaccurate and do not reflect the nation’s true security situation

Nigeria rejects Trump claim that extremist groups are carrying out large-scale killings of Christians in the country, describing the allegation as inaccurate and misleading.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated this on Saturday in response to US President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the ministry said that religious freedom remains protected in Nigeria and that Christians are free to worship across the country without restriction.

“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the statement read.

The government also reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fighting terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and safeguarding citizens’ rights.

“Under the leadership of President Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to combating terrorism and strengthening peaceful coexistence among its diverse religious communities,” the ministry added.

The statement further noted that Nigeria would continue to engage constructively with the United States to enhance mutual understanding of the country’s security efforts and peacebuilding initiatives.

President Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, had accused Nigeria of facing an “existential threat” to Christianity and said he was directing officials to investigate and act on the alleged mass killings.

The CPC designation is reserved for countries deemed to be committing severe violations of religious freedom under the US International Religious Freedom Act.

The move followed lobbying by some Republican lawmakers who alleged ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Trump had previously placed Nigeria on the CPC list in 2020 during his first term, following recommendations from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

However, the Biden administration removed Nigeria from the list in 2021.

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Nigeria’s rejection of Trump’s claim underscores its effort to defend its global image and reassure international partners that religious coexistence remains a defining part of its national fabric.