The Federal Government has dismissed claims by former United States President Donald Trump that Nigeria is witnessing large-scale killings of Christians, describing his remarks as inaccurate and unreflective of the true situation in the country.
A statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the government strongly disagreed with Trump’s comments and his decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
According to the ministry, Nigerians of all religious backgrounds have coexisted peacefully for decades, and the claim of targeted attacks against Christians is not supported by verifiable facts.
“The Federal Government notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’
“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the statement said.
While acknowledging global interest in human rights and religious freedom, the government stressed that the allegations misrepresented Nigeria’s reality.
It added that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria “remains committed to combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all citizens.”
The statement also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to continue constructive engagement with the United States to deepen mutual understanding on regional peace and security matters.
Trump had on Friday night, in a post shared via Truth Social and the White House’s official X handle, declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” claiming that Christianity was under threat in the country.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump said, urging US lawmakers to act swiftly.
He further claimed that over 3,100 Christians were killed in Nigeria, representing one of the highest figures globally, and called on Congressmen Riley Moore and Tom Cole to investigate the situation.
In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed Trump’s claims in an interview with CNN, saying violent attacks in Nigeria were not religiously motivated.
“Some of the claims made by officials of the United States are based on faulty data and assumptions. These criminals attack both Christians and Muslims, and their motives are not rooted in religion,” he said.
Similarly, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, which recently visited Abuja, urged the Nigerian government to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities and ensure justice for victims of violence across the country.
The government reaffirmed that it would continue working with local and international partners to improve national security and promote peaceful coexistence among citizens.
