The Federal Government has vehemently rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s labeling of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” due to alleged killings of Christians.
The government described Trump’s remarks as misguided, divisive, and out of touch with the current security measures Nigeria is implementing to tackle violence and foster peace.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, alleged that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria” and claimed that “radical Islamists” were responsible for what he termed a “mass slaughter.” He directed U.S. lawmakers to investigate the alleged killings and accused Nigerian authorities of inaction.
However, the Tinubu administration dismissed the claims as grossly misleading and based on faulty data, warning that such statements from influential figures risk inflaming tensions and misrepresenting the country’s complex security situation.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government “categorically rejects” any attempt to portray Nigeria’s insecurity as a religious war.
“Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a campaign against Christians is inaccurate and dangerous. Extremists target all Nigerians — Muslims, Christians, and non-religious alike. These criminals have no faith or tribe; they are driven by violence, not religion,” Idris said over the tagging of Nigeria as a CPC.
He added that the Tinubu administration has made significant progress in degrading terrorist networks and restoring peace across the North East and North West, noting that over 13,500 terrorists have been neutralized and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued between May 2023 and February 2025.
He also disclosed that more than 700 Boko Haram and Ansaru suspects have been convicted through transparent judicial processes.
Idris further warned that foreign commentators relying on selective or politicized narratives could inadvertently strengthen extremist propaganda.
“This administration stands for religious liberty and will never allow Nigeria to be divided along faith lines,” he stated.
The minister noted that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of terrorist attacks and that the Federal Government continues to support interfaith dialogue and community peacebuilding initiatives nationwide.
In September, the government had already rebuffed similar allegations from certain U.S.-based advocacy groups, describing their reports as “false, baseless, and despicable.”
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