Following Nigeria’s classification as a “Country of Particular Concern,” the United States has said that it will collaborate with the Federal Government to take swift action to safeguard Christians, apprehend those responsible for acts of religious violence, and free hostages.
Vicky Hartzler, the chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, revealed this while applauding President Donald Trump’s move to ban Nigeria as an abuser of religious freedom.
In a statement, Hartzler praised Trump for acting to stop what she called the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
China, on the other hand, expressed strong support for Nigeria and denounced what it saw as foreign meddling in the domestic affairs of the nation.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump declared Nigeria to be a Country of Particular Concern, claiming that radical Islamists had killed hundreds of Christians and that Christianity in Nigeria is under “existential threat.”
He cautioned that if the Bola Tinubu administration did nothing, the United States might take drastic action, including perhaps military intervention.
The Federal Government responded by denouncing the US accusation as factually incorrect and reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to preventing violent extremism, safeguarding its citizens, and advancing religious freedom and inclusivity.
The United States Congress is debating a bill that would severely penalize state governors, public servants, and non-state actors who enforce the Sharia Penal Code in reaction to Nigeria’s alleged transgressions.
Ted Cruz, a Republican, is the bill’s sponsor. After passing second reading, it was sent to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for additional review.
The proposed legislation, S. The “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” (2747, dated September 9, 2025) instructs the US Secretary of State to declare Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, impose particular sanctions, and take other relevant actions.
Additionally, terrorist organizations and individuals that enforce or support Islamic rules in the nation are targeted by the proposed legislation.
Judges, magistrates, jail officials, and other judicial or law enforcement personnel found to have participated in terrorism, corruption, or the implementation of blasphemy laws would all face penalties under the proposed legislation.
It particularly covers those in charge of bringing charges against, convicting, imprisoning, or otherwise denying someone of their freedom due to accusations of blasphemy.
“USCIRF applauds President Trump for speaking out on the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria and making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern,” stated Vicky Hartzler, the chair of USCIRF, in response to the executive action.
In a statement posted on the commission’s website on Monday, she said, “The US Government can now develop a tough plan with Nigeria to ensure that perpetrators of violence are held to account, people of faith are protected, and those held hostage are rescued.”
In an email response on Tuesday, Asif Mahmood, the vice chair of USCIRF, also stated that the commission will make sure the Trump administration carried out a number of administrative actions against Nigeria, which it characterized as a chronic violation of religious freedom since 2009.
Due to frequent violent attacks on religious communities, the US State Department identified Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 and placed it on its Special Watch List in 2019 during the Trump administration.
The statement said, “The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom applauds President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.” “Since 2009, USCIRF has recommended this designation due to the government’s participation in and tolerance of systematic, persistent, and egregious violations of religious freedom.”
The statement mentioned a number of recent events, such as the murder of at least 27 worshippers during an early-morning mosque attack in Katsina State in August and the deaths of at least 200 people, including internally displaced people, at a Catholic mission in Benue State in June.
“Tensions are rising and Nigerians’ freedom to freely express their faith is being threatened by these and other violent incidents targeting religious communities,” the statement continued.
Mahmood pointed out that the Nigerian government must be held responsible for permitting the application of blasphemy laws in 12 states, in addition to the violence committed by non-state actors.
He declared, “The CPC designation is justified by enforcing these laws and tolerating violence targeting Christians, Muslims, and other communities.” “To encourage necessary change in the nation, the administration can now use this opportunity to impose Presidential Actions under the International Religious Freedom Act.”
Mahmood reaffirmed in his email that the Nigerian government had “repeatedly failed to address ongoing violence targeting religious communities.”
“We reported on violence targeting religious communities in our 2025 Annual Report, which covered the calendar year 2024, and Nigerian authorities far too frequently fail to adequately respond,” he said.
He clarified that USCIRF recommends a Country of Particular Concern designation for any government that “engages in or tolerates particularly severe violations of religious freedom” based on international human rights standards, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, under the International Religious Freedom Act.
Mahmood stated, “Nigeria has met that standard since 2009,” pointing out that 12 state governments still uphold stringent blasphemy laws that are used to jail humanists, Christians, and Muslims for purported insults to religion.
He continued by saying that the USCIRF had consistently suggested legislative measures that Congress and the US government should use to enhance religious freedom in Nigeria in its yearly reports.
The International Religious Freedom Act gives the US government the authority to carry out certain Presidential Actions now that President Trump has designated Nigeria as a CPC, according to Mahmood. “We urge the administration to take these steps without waiving them.”
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Regarding what Nigeria may do to obtain a reprieve, Mahmood clarified that the primary need for being taken off USCIRF’s list of Countries of Particular Concern was to stop or drastically reduce “systematic, ongoing, and egregious” breaches of religious freedom as described in the organization’s Annual Report.
He declared, “Our recommendation is based on our statutory mandate, facts on the ground, and international human rights law.” “USCIRF continues to monitor and report, and our next CPC recommendations will be included in our 2026 Annual Report, which must be submitted to Congress by May 1st of each year.”
Beijing supports Tinubu.
The US action against Nigeria, however, has drawn harsh criticism from the People’s Republic of China, which calls it blatant meddling in the nation’s internal affairs.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday that China rejected the use of religion or human rights as instruments of political pressure and stood solidly with Nigeria in pursuing its own development path.
“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that aligns with its national realities,” she said in remarks made public by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja.
“We are against any nation meddling in the domestic affairs of other nations under the guise of human rights or religion. We also oppose the use of force or the wanton threat of sanctions.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated that President Bola Tinubu was taking proactive measures to guarantee the security of people and property throughout the nation.
After meeting with the President on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Idris told State House reporters that he discussed the recent remarks made by the US on Nigeria with Tinubu.
He pointed out that in the face of mounting international scrutiny, the President had urged Nigerians to remain calm and reassured them that his administration is still committed to bolstering national security and fostering unity.
“We always have this regular meeting with Mr. President,” Idris remarked. “Of course, the US issue also came up, and we talked about that in great detail.”
He claims that the President is “calm and taking a holistic view of the situation” while attempting to make sure that the whole community is more aware of Nigeria’s continuous efforts to uphold security and peace.
“Mr. President only selected a new Chief of Defense Staff and other service chiefs this week in an effort to revitalize the nation’s security architecture. That indicates that he has been working hard to keep Nigeria safe for everyone,” Idris continued.
In order to make Nigeria’s position clear, he clarified that the government was purposefully maintaining a calibrated diplomatic tone while increasing engagement with foreign partners.
“We are establishing lines of communication to let the world know what Nigeria has been doing and what it plans to do to address any domestic or international issues,” he stated.
Idris stated that Tinubu had taken a multifaceted approach in response to calls for more extensive interaction with religious and community groups.
“There are ongoing discussions with religious group leadership,” he said. “The President has been and will continue to meet with them. They are significant participants in the Nigerian project.
In order to refute what he referred to as “false narratives” on Nigeria’s religious climate, the minister further stated that Tinubu will continue regional and continental engagements.
Idris said, “It is completely untrue to characterize us as a nation that is intolerant of religion.” Muslims, Christians, and even nonreligious people live in Nigeria, and freedom of religion is guaranteed by our Constitution. Mr. President will strictly enforce that.
Idris urged people to oppose such misinformation, accusing extremist groups of promoting divisive narratives meant to paint the nation in a poor light.
“Yes, there are security issues, but there has never been a government decision to support one religion over another or to use violence in the name of religion,” he stated. This is a time to consider our togetherness and unite; it is not a time for politics, rhetoric, or separation, but rather for nation-building.
He reiterated that President Tinubu has instructed pertinent authorities to address the matters “with all the responsibility and depth they require” and is “taking the situation very seriously.”
“We think that we will emerge from this stronger in the end,” Idris said.
EU and ECOWAS react
Claims that the recent increase in terrorist attacks throughout the area, particularly Nigeria, amounted to genocide have been rejected by the Economic Community of West African States.
The regional agency stressed in a statement on Tuesday that the violence cannot be categorized as genocide targeting any specific religious group and that the attacks target individuals of all religions and backgrounds.
ECOWAS called on the UN and other international partners to keep assisting its member nations in their fight against violent extremism.
The statement said, “Terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, or age, as independent reports have confirmed over the years.”
“ECOWAS urges the UN and its allies to assist member nations in their battle against these organizations and to dismiss as untrue any allegations that these terrorist organizations target a particular community or that a particular religious group is being genocided in the area.
“ECOWAS vehemently denounces these dangerous and false assertions that aim to erode social cohesion in the region and increase community insecurity.”
The bloc reaffirmed its dedication to regional peace and unity and emphasized that fighting terrorism necessitates a coordinated response based on solidarity and facts rather than polarizing or deceptive narratives.
The statement ended with the words, “ECOWAS calls on the entire world to stand by the countries in the region in their fight against terrorism that targets all communities.”
In a similar development, the European Union has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding religious liberty and encouraging harmonious cohabitation in Nigeria.
During a news event on Monday, Anouar El Anouni, the spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said this. The EU’s press officer, Modestus Chukwulaka, shared his remarks with reporters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The EU has taken notice of the remarks made by the US administration on Nigeria. El Anouni stated, “The EU reaffirms its commitment to the protection of all communities, especially minorities, and to freedom of religion and belief.”
“We emphasize our dedication to the peaceful cohabitation of Nigerians, irrespective of geographical, ethnic, political, or religious distinctions.”
The EU acknowledged the US stance but warned against blaming religion alone for Nigeria’s violence.
“We acknowledge the various causes of the violence in Nigeria.” He continued, “Let’s remember that religion is just one of many factors—and only in specific situations.
According to the EU, it is still collaborating with Nigerian authorities to support victims of violence and displacement and to bolster peacebuilding initiatives.
El Anouni stated, “To prevent violence, consolidate peace, and assist victims of violence and forced displacement, the European Union works with the competent Nigerian authorities and implements multifaceted support in Nigeria.”
US military facility
Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.), a former Chief of Army Staff and former Minister of Interior, claimed that the US may be attempting to build a military facility in Nigeria under the guise of defending Christians from persecution.
Speaking on Tuesday at an event hosted by the Just Friends Club of Nigeria in Abuja, Dambazau claimed that recent claims made by certain American politicians and religious leaders regarding “Christian genocide” in Nigeria might be connected to outside agendas.
“Both domestic and foreign actors have increased religious tensions, sometimes leading to the misrepresentation of security incidents as targeting particular faith groups,” he stated.
Dambazau questioned the motivation, pointing out that the Niger Republic still experiences extreme insecurity even after housing two US military posts for more than ten years.
What steps did the United States take to stop the spread of terrorism during its more than ten years in Niger? “I believe the United States is seeking a chance to set up a different base in Nigeria,” he stated.
The former general contended that terrorism in Nigeria is a component of a larger regional crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin and impacts both Christians and Muslims.
He cited the Kuje jail break and the Abuja-Kaduna train incident as examples of how Nigeria’s inadequate security capabilities have made matters worse.
In order to prevent attacks, communities in Katsina and Zamfara have even made arrangements with robbers. He continued, “People now depend on criminals for protection.”
Dambazau asked the government to foster unity and bolster security institutions, warning that foreign interests could take advantage of Nigeria’s internal divides.
He declared, “We must not permit outside actors to manipulate our differences for their own interests.”
Middle Belt Executives
Leaders of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum characterized the development as a “wake-up call” for the Federal Government to immediately address insecurity and the ongoing killings throughout the nation amid mounting worries about a potential diplomatic confrontation.
Following its National Caucus meeting on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Abuja, the forum outlined its positions on insecurity, justice, national unity, and the 2027 elections in a communiqué signed by spokesman Luka Binniyat, Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu (Middle Belt Forum), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide), and Ambassador Godknows Igali (PANDEF).
The statement read, “The SMBLF notes with very serious concern the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by US President Donald Trump over alleged persecution against Christians.”
“However, we see this as a wake-up call to the Federal Government to pursue the cessation of ongoing mayhem and killings with urgency and responsibility.”
In addition to restoring “occupied lands to their rightful owners” in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Gombe, Southern Borno, and other impacted states, the conference called for the government to disarm and prosecute terrorists, killer herdsmen, and armed militias.
In order to guarantee inclusivity and balance in national security management, the group urged on President Bola Tinubu to expand reforms to the positions of National Security Adviser, Minister of Defense, and Minister of State for Defense, even as they welcomed recent changes in the military hierarchy.
In order to promote peace and reconciliation in the nation, the SMBLF also reiterated calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, a former governor of Sokoto State, advised President Tinubu to pursue diplomatic contact rather than conflict with Washington.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bafarawa said, “I advise President Tinubu to avoid confrontation and reach out to the American government to present Nigeria’s side of the story.”
“In international politics and diplomacy, Nigeria and the United States are strategic allies. Therefore, strengthening this long-standing connection will be beneficial to Nigeria.
In a related response, the Yoruba Ronu Group, a sociopolitical organization, said that Trump’s accusations that Nigeria is “killing Christians” were “false and dangerously provocative” in a statement released in Abuja and signed by Diran Iyantan, the group’s chairman.
Iyantan cautioned, “Trump’s aggressive tone is incitement, not diplomacy.” Such careless language degrades our sovereignty, weakens our military victories, and gives terrorists more confidence. From Libya to Afghanistan, every U.S. intervention has resulted in devastation and mayhem. Nigeria is not going to be their next test.
The Federal Government’s failure to nominate ambassadors during the crisis was also criticized by Nigeria’s National Civil Society Council, which called it “unhealthy and unthinkable.”
“The government must handle the allegations of Christian genocide with professionalism and diplomacy, confronting the matter with verifiable facts and figures,” the council stated in a statement signed by Oscar Kalu, the chairman of the committee responsible for crafting the statement.
In a similar vein, Kehinde Bankole, an APC leader and former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly Commission, advised Trump against making provocative statements that would divert Nigeria’s leadership.
According to Bankole, “every nation’s right to determine its political, social, economic, and cultural systems without external interference is affirmed by Article 2(1), (4), and (7) of the UN Charter.”
