Nigeria pledged on Saturday to continue combating violent extremism and safeguarding citizens of all faiths after U.S. President Donald Trump returned the West African nation to Washington’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for religious-freedom violations.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion,” the Foreign Ministry said, adding that Nigeria “celebrates diversity” and hopes the United States remains a close partner.
Trump, who first applied the designation during his earlier term before President Joe Biden removed it in 2021, said on Friday that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, alleging thousands of killings by “radical Islamists.” He asked the House Appropriations Committee to review the issue; a congressional panel held a hearing on attacks on Christians in Nigeria earlier this year. Committee Chair Rep. Tom Cole said the move “sends a strong message” that the U.S. will not ignore persecution.
Home to more than 200 ethnic groups and a mix of Christians, Muslims and traditional faiths, Nigeria has a history of communal clashes in which religion can overlap with disputes over land, water and ethnicity. In the northeast, Boko Haram’s 15-year insurgency has killed tens of thousands, most of them Muslims.