By Mark Orgu, News/Comments
Abuja–With the designation of Nigeria as a Country of a Particular Concern,(CPC), on November 1, 2025, by the United States President, Donald Trump, over what he described as, “they’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen,” accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from Islamic terrorists like Boko Haram, and directed the Pentagon to prepare for potential action. However, the statement follows reports of over 5,200 Christians killed in 2024 amid complex ethnic, religious, and resource conflicts that also affect Muslim communities, with Nigeria ranking sixth globally for Christian persecution. This was according to Open Doors report. Nigerian government since then have rejected the claims, pin pointing their efforts on counterterrorism. Recall that last Sunday, when Trump was asked by a reporter same, if he was considering US troops on the ground in Nigeria or air strikes, Trump replied: “Could be, I mean, a lot of things – I envisage a lot of things.” This has created serious debate whether the US government have the power to invade a sovereign nation. Meanwhile, experts have advised president Tinubu not to play politics with Trump, but ensure serious diplomatic dialogue to avoid impeding disaster.
In another vein, Afrikanwatch Network related with a Nigerian-US Army last night (Name withheld) on how Nigerians feel, and particularly how he feels about Trump’s threat of sending military to wipe out Islamic terrorists who are reportedly killing more of Christians than Muslims. His response was:
“At the moment, the Pentagon has only been directed to prepare contingency plans in response to President Trump’s statement. This does not amount to an imminent invasion. The U.S. military is a professional institution that operates strictly under lawful orders, and any military action would still require legal and political approval, in line with international law.”
He pressed further, “although the Nigerian President has been urged to respond swiftly, I believe he should be given time to act. Nigerian officials have firmly rejected any unilateral U.S. intervention but have expressed openness to cooperation and intelligence-sharing, as any effective operation would still require coordination with Nigerian forces. At the same time, Nigerian leaders continue to emphasize the importance of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.”
“In summary, tensions are elevated and the rhetoric is intense, but I do not believe any military action is currently underway. However, this should serve as a serious wake-up call for President Tinubu and his administration to act decisively. I rest my case!”
Controversially, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has applauded and welcomes President Trump’s making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). In his website, it wrotes: USCIRF has recommended Nigeria be so designated since 2009 because of the government’s engaging and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations. USCIRF applauds President Trump for speaking out on the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria and making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern,” said USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler . The US Government can now develop a tough plan with Nigeria to ensure that perpetrators of violence are held to account, people of faith are protected, and those held hostage are rescued.”
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