President Trump on Friday warned that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, blaming “radical Islamists” for a surge in violence against believers. “Thousands of Christians are being killed,” Trump stated, citing global statistics that place Nigeria among the deadliest regions for Christians. The president declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and called on Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the crisis.

Moore, a Republican representative from West Virginia, praised Trump’s designation and urged immediate U.S. action to address the persecution. He highlighted that over 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone, with hundreds more kidnapped or displaced by groups like Boko Haram. The congressman cited reports of 19,100 churches attacked since 2009 and alleged Nigerian government complicity in the violence.

Moore also criticized the Biden administration for reversing Trump’s previous CPC designation, demanding Secretary of State Marco Rubio restore it and suspend U.S. arms sales to Nigeria until protections are enacted. The congressman cited a spike in attacks, including a priest killed on Ash Wednesday and 54 Christians martyred on Palm Sunday.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide,” calling them “careless rhetoric” that misrepresents the country’s fight against terrorism. Meanwhile, U.S. State Department officials acknowledged “deep concern” over violence against religious groups in Nigeria.

The controversy has drawn international scrutiny, with figures like Senator Ted Cruz and comedian Bill Maher amplifying calls for global attention to the crisis.