US Designates Nigeria Country of Particular Concern Over Religious Freedom

President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) due to alleged mass killings of Christians by radical Islamists, a move welcomed by some US lawmakers and critics but disputed by Nigerian officials. Trump cited thousands of Christian deaths and called for US Congressional investigation, with Congressman Riley M. Moore praising the decision as a firm stand on religious freedom. Nigerian government representatives, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Information, rejected the allegations, emphasizing Nigeria's multi-religious harmony and ongoing efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to combat terrorism and promote interfaith unity. Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume urged the Nigerian government to engage the US diplomatically to address misconceptions and avoid negative repercussions from the CPC designation. Meanwhile, former APC spokesman Comrade Timi Frank commended Trump's action as long overdue and reflective of international concern over Nigeria's security and human rights. The Nigerian government affirmed its commitment to security reforms, community reconciliation, and safeguarding religious freedoms, seeking constructive dialogue with the US to resolve misunderstandings.