The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Christians are facing large-scale persecution in the country.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described Trump’s allegations as “inaccurate and unreflective of the reality on the ground.”
“The Federal Government notes the recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” the statement read.
“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the ministry added.
The government emphasized that while it appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, the allegations of Christian persecution are “not supported by verified facts.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu, the statement noted that the administration remains focused on “fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all Nigerians.”
The ministry also said the government would continue engaging constructively with the United States to improve mutual understanding of regional security issues and Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that the US President Trump had earlier announced on Truth Social that he had re-designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over what he described as “the mass slaughter of Christians by radical Islamists.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump wrote.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — but that is the least of it,” he posted.
Trump said he had directed several U.S. lawmakers, including Rep. Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), to investigate the situation and report their findings.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had earlier expressed deep concern over persistent violence and insecurity affecting Christian communities, particularly in the North.
The body said many communities have suffered “severe attacks, loss of life, and destruction of places of worship.”
CAN’s statement followed growing concern among U.S. senators, who claimed that Christians in Nigeria are being systematically targeted.
The Nigerian government, however, maintains that such reports are exaggerated and politically motivated. It insists that recent security operations have significantly reduced violence in most conflict-prone regions.
Earlier, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore had urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take diplomatic action against Nigeria, citing alleged “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians.”
Nigeria continues to urge international partners to rely on credible, verified data rather than politically driven reports when assessing the nation’s security situation.