Overview
- On Saturday, President Trump warned the U.S. will halt all aid to Nigeria and said he has instructed the Defense Department to prepare for possible action if killings of Christians continue.
- The escalation followed his Friday move placing Nigeria on the 'country of particular concern' list for religious freedom and directing Rep. Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate.
- The CPC label authorizes, but does not automatically trigger, penalties such as restrictions on non‑humanitarian assistance under the International Religious Freedom Act, according to multiple reports.
- Nigeria’s government rejected assertions of systematic anti‑Christian persecution, with President Bola Tinubu and officials insisting the country protects religious freedom as analysts note many attacks also harm Muslim communities.
- Reports on casualties diverge: Open Doors says 3,100 of 4,476 Christians killed for their faith globally last year were in Nigeria, while higher long‑term tallies cited by U.S. lawmakers are disputed by Abuja; violence is attributed to Boko Haram, ISWAP and armed Fulani groups.