November 01, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government on Saturday dismissed comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country to be designated a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government described Trump’s remarks as misleading and not reflective of realities on the ground.
Trump had, in a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, claimed that Christianity was facing an “existential threat” in Nigeria, alleging that “radical Islamists” were responsible for what he called the “mass slaughter” of Christians.
He also vowed that the United States would intervene to end the killings.
Diplomatic sources told THEWILL that Nigerian authorities view the remarks as “potentially harmful” and capable of inflaming religious tensions, especially as the government continues to deepen peacebuilding initiatives across the country.
In its official response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that Nigeria remains a multi-religious nation where people of different faiths have coexisted peacefully for decades.
“The Federal Government notes with concern the recent remarks by President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria. While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground,” the statement signed by Ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, read.
The government reaffirmed that freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed and said Nigeria would not be swayed by narratives that misrepresent its internal security situation or interfaith relations.
It added that Muslims, Christians, and adherents of traditional faiths continue to live and work together peacefully across the country, even in areas experiencing security challenges.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people,” the statement noted.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry also emphasized that Nigeria continues to maintain strong bilateral relations with the United States and will engage Washington constructively to provide accurate information about its security efforts and religious coexistence.
“Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics,” it said, expressing hope that both nations would continue to collaborate in promoting peace and stability across West Africa.
Security analysts say Trump’s comments come at a sensitive time as Nigeria continues to battle insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central, and sporadic communal clashes in other parts of the country.
Meanwhile, religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities have jointly condemned attempts to politicize religion, urging unity and mutual respect among Nigerians.
The Federal Government, however, called on citizens to remain vigilant against divisive rhetoric and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace, security, and harmony in Africa’s most populous nation.
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