In response to Nigeria’s designation 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 US Commission on International Religious Freedom, revealed this while applauding President Donald Trump’s decision to ban Nigeria as a religious freedom violator.
In a statement, Hartzler praised Trump for taking action to stop what she called Nigerian Christians’ persecution.
China, on the other hand, strongly backed Nigeria and denounced what it described as foreign meddling in the domestic affairs of the nation.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump announced Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern, claiming that radical Islamists had killed thousands of Christians and that Christianity in Nigeria faces a “existential threat.”
He cautioned that if the Bola Tinubu administration did nothing, the US might take drastic action, including perhaps military intervention.
The Federal Government responded by denouncing the US assertion as factually incorrect and reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to preventing violent extremism, safeguarding its citizens, and advancing religious freedom and inclusivity.
The US Congress is debating a bill that would impose harsh penalties on 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 has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for additional review.
The draft law, S. The “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” (2747), issued September 9, 2025, instructs the US Secretary of State to declare Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, apply particular sanctions, and take other relevant actions.
Additionally, terrorist organizations and persons enforcing or endorsing Islamic laws in the nation are targeted by the proposed legislation.
Judges, magistrates, jail officials, and other judicial or law enforcement authorities proven to be involved in terrorism, corruption, or the implementation of blasphemy laws would all face penalties under the draft law.
In particular, it covers anybody who is in charge of bringing charges against, convicting, imprisoning, or otherwise depriving anyone of their freedom due to blasphemy.
The chair of USCIRF, Vicky Hartzler, responded to the executive action by saying, “USCIRF applauds President Trump for speaking out on the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria and making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.”
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 those held hostage are rescued, people of faith are protected, and perpetrators of violence are held accountable.”
In an email response on Tuesday, Asif Mahmood, the vice chair of USCIRF, stated that the commission will make sure the Trump administration carried out a number of executive steps against Nigeria, which it characterized as a persistent violation of religious freedom since 2009.
Nigeria was listed as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 and on the US State Department’s Special Watch List in 2019 during Trump’s first presidency due to frequent violent attacks against religious communities.
The statement stated, “The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom welcomes President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.” Since 2009, USCIRF has recommended this status due to the government’s participation in and tolerance of flagrant, persistent, and systematic breaches 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 death of at least 200 people, including internally displaced people, at a Catholic mission in Benue State in June.
It further stated, “These and other violent incidents targeting religious communities are escalating tensions and threatening Nigerians’ ability to freely express their faith.”
Mahmood pointed out that the Nigerian government must be held responsible for permitting the enforcement of blasphemy laws in 12 states in addition to the violence committed by non-state actors.
“The CPC designation is justified by enforcing these laws and tolerating violence against Christians, Muslims, and other communities,” he stated. “To encourage necessary change in the nation, the administration can now take advantage of this opportunity to impose Presidential Actions under the International Religious Freedom Act.”
Mahmood reaffirmed in his email that continued violence against religious communities has been “repeatedly failed to address by Nigerian authorities.”
“We reported on violence targeting religious communities in our 2025 Annual Report, which covered the calendar year 2024, where Nigerian authorities far too often fail to adequately respond,” he said.
He clarified that when recommending a Country of Particular Concern designation for any government that “engages in or tolerates particularly severe violations of religious freedom,” USCIRF uses 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 punish Christians, Muslims, and humanists for supposed insults to religion.
He noted that the USCIRF had consistently suggested legislative measures that Congress and the US government should use to enhance religious freedom in Nigeria in its annual reports.
“The International Religious Freedom Act enables the US government to carry out several Presidential Actions now that President Trump has designated Nigeria as a CPC,” Mahmood stated. “We urge the administration to follow through on these actions rather than waive them.”
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According to USCIRF’s Annual Report, Nigeria must stop or drastically reduce “systematic, ongoing, and egregious” breaches of religious freedom in order to be removed from the organization’s list of Countries of Particular Concern. Mahmood listed the actions Nigeria may take to obtain a reprieve.
He declared, “Our recommendation is based on international human rights law, facts on the ground, and our statutory mandate.” “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 every year.”
Tinubu is supported by Beijing
The US action against Nigeria, however, has drawn harsh criticism from the People’s Republic of China, which views it as blatant meddling in the nation’s internal affairs.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated during a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday that China rejected the use of religion or human rights as instruments of political pressure and firmly supported Nigeria in pursuing its own economic 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 statements released by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja.
“We are against any nation meddling in the internal affairs of other countries under the guise of human rights or religion. Additionally, we are against the needless threat of sanctions or the use of force.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated that President Bola Tinubu was taking decisive action to guarantee the security of people and property throughout the nation.
After meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Idris told State House reporters that he and Tinubu discussed the recent remarks made by the US on Nigeria.
He pointed out that in the face of mounting international scrutiny, the President had urged Nigerians to maintain composure and reassured them that his administration is still committed to bolstering national security and fostering unity.
“We always have a routine meeting with Mr. President,” Idris stated. “Obviously, the US issue also arose, and we had a lengthy discussion about it.”
He claims that the President is “calm and taking a holistic view of the situation” while attempting to make sure that the world community is more aware of Nigeria’s continuous efforts to uphold security and peace.
“Mr. President chose a new Chief of Defense Staff and other service chiefs just last week in an effort to revitalize the nation’s security architecture. That indicates that he has been working diligently to keep everyone safe in Nigeria,” Idris continued.
He clarified that in order to make Nigeria’s stance clear, the government was purposefully maintaining a measured diplomatic tone while increasing interaction with foreign partners.
He stated, “We are opening channels of communication so that the international community is aware of what Nigeria has been doing and intends to do to address any domestic or international concerns.”
Idris claimed that Tinubu had taken a multifaceted approach in response to requests for more extensive interaction with religious and community leaders.
“Talking with religious leaders is a continuous process,” he said. “Mr. President has been and will continue to meet with them.” They are crucial participants in the Nigerian initiative.
In order to combat what he described as “false narratives” regarding Nigeria’s religious climate, the minister further stated that Tinubu would continue regional and continental engagements.
Idris said, “It is completely untrue to say that we are a nation that is intolerant of religion.” Muslims, Christians, and even nonreligious people live in Nigeria, and the country’s Constitution protects religious freedom. Mr. President will follow through on that.
Idris urged people to oppose such propaganda, accusing extremist groups of promoting dividing narratives meant to present the nation in an unfavorable light.
“Yes, we have security issues, but there has never been a government decision to support one religion over another or to use violence in the name of faith,” he stated. This is not a moment for politics, rhetoric, or division, but rather for nation-building. It is a time to consider our unity and unite.
He reiterated that President Tinubu has instructed pertinent authorities to address the problems “with all the responsibility and depth they require” and that he is “taking the situation very seriously.”
“We think we will emerge from this stronger in the end,” Idris promised.
EU responds to ECOWAS
Claims that the current spike in terrorist attacks across the region, especially Nigeria, amounts to genocide have been rejected by the Economic Community of West African States.
The regional organization emphasized 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 ethnicities.
ECOWAS called on the UN and other international allies to keep helping member nations fight violent extremism.
“Terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, or age, as independent reports have confirmed over the years,” the statement said.
“ECOWAS urges the UN and all 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 specific community or that a particular religious group is being genocided in the area.
“ECOWAS vehemently denounces these dangerous and untrue assertions that aim to erode social cohesion in the region and increase community insecurity.”
The bloc reaffirmed its dedication to regional peace and unity, emphasizing that fighting terrorism necessitates a coordinated response based on solidarity and truth rather than polarizing or deceptive narratives.
The statement ended with the words, “ECOWAS calls on the whole 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 upholding religious freedom and encouraging harmonious cohabitation in Nigeria.
This was announced during a press briefing on Monday by Anouar El Anouni, the spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Modestus Chukwulaka, the EU press officer, delivered his remarks with media in Abuja on Tuesday.
The EU has noted the remarks made by the US government on Nigeria. El Anouni stated: “The EU reaffirms its commitment to freedom of religion and belief and to the protection of all communities, especially minorities.”
“We emphasize our dedication to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians, regardless of their geographic, ethnic, political, or religious differences.”
The EU acknowledged the US stance but advised against blaming Nigeria’s violence exclusively on religion.
“We acknowledge that there are numerous contributing elements to Nigerian violence. He continued, “Let’s keep in mind that religion is just one of these factors—and only in certain situations.”
In order to support victims of violence and displacement and to bolster peacebuilding efforts, the EU stated that it is still collaborating with Nigerian authorities.
According to El Anouni, “the European Union works with the capable Nigerian authorities and implements multifaceted support in Nigeria to prevent violence, consolidate peace, and assist victims of violence and forced displacement.”
American military installation
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 at an event hosted by the Just Friends Club of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday, Dambazau claimed that recent claims made by certain American politicians and religious leaders regarding “Christian genocide” in Nigeria may be connected to outside agendas.
“Both domestic and foreign actors have heightened 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 continues to experience extreme insecurity even after hosting two US military posts for more than ten years.
“What did the United States do to stop the spread of terrorism during its more than ten years in Niger? He stated, “I believe the US is searching for a chance to set up a different base in Nigeria.
According to the former general, terrorism in Nigeria is a part of a larger regional challenge in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin and impacts both Muslims and Christians.
Using the Abuja–Kaduna train incident and the Kuje jail break as examples, he claimed that Nigeria’s inadequate security capabilities had made matters worse.
Zamfara and Katsina communities have even made arrangements with robbers to prevent attacks. “People now depend on criminals to keep them safe,” he continued.
Dambazau encouraged the government to foster unity and fortify security institutions, cautioning that foreign interests would take advantage of Nigeria’s internal divides.
He stated, “We must not allow external actors to manipulate our differences for their own interests.”
Leaders from the Middle Belt
Leaders of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum characterized the occurrence as a “wake-up call” for the Federal Government to immediately address insecurity and the ongoing killings across the nation amid mounting worries about a potential diplomatic confrontation.
Following its National Caucus meeting on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Abuja, the forum released a statement outlining its positions on insecurity, justice, national unity, and the 2027 elections. It was 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).
According to the statement, “the SMBLF notes with very serious concern the designation by US President Donald Trump of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged persecution against Christians.”
“However, we see this as a wake-up call to the Federal Government to pursue, with urgency and responsibility, the halting of ongoing mayhem and killings.”
The conference called on the government to return “occupied lands to their rightful owners” in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Gombe, Southern Borno, and other impacted states, as well as to disarm and prosecute terrorists, killer herdsmen, and armed militias.
In order to guarantee inclusivity and balance in national security administration, the group urged President Bola Tinubu to expand reforms to the positions of National Security Adviser, Minister of Defense, and Minister of State for Defense, while also applauding recent adjustments in the military hierarchy.
Additionally, the SMBLF reiterated calls for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, claiming that doing so would promote national peace and healing.
Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, a former governor of Sokoto State, encouraged President Tinubu to pursue diplomatic relations rather than conflict with Washington.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Bafarawa stated, “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, the United States and Nigeria are strategic allies.” Therefore, it will be beneficial for Nigeria to deepen this established relationship.
In a related response, the Yoruba Ronu Group, a sociopolitical organization, called Trump’s accusations that Nigeria is “killing Christians” “false and dangerously provocative” in a statement released in Abuja and signed by its chairman, Diran Iyantan.
Iyantan cautioned, “Trump’s warlike tone is not diplomacy—it is incitement.” Such careless rhetoric degrades our sovereignty, weakens our military victories, and gives terrorists more confidence. From Libya to Afghanistan, every American intervention has resulted in devastation and anarchy. They’re not going to try Nigeria next.
The Federal Government’s failure to nominate ambassadors during the crisis was also criticized by the Nigerian 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, 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, warned Trump against making provocative statements that might divert Nigeria’s leadership.
“The UN Charter’s Article 2(1), (4), and (7) affirm every nation’s right to determine its political, social, economic, and cultural systems without external interference,” stated Bankole.
