Trump Warns of an “Existential Threat” to Christians in Nigeria

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Christians in Nigeria face an “existential threat,” in remarks that have sparked wide controversy within political and media circles in the United States.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that “thousands of Christians are being killed, and extremists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” without providing evidence to support his assertions.

He added that he classifies Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” a designation used by the U.S. State Department for nations deemed to be engaged in “severe violations of religious freedom.”

Trump’s comments come amid growing narratives circulating across American and European right-wing social media networks, alleging a “genocide” against Christians in Nigeria.

However, Africa analysts emphasize that the country’s violence stems from complex conflicts involving armed, ethnic, and religious groups, which have resulted in the deaths of both Christians and Muslims, making it inaccurate to frame the situation purely in sectarian terms.

Nigeria — Africa’s most populous country — has for years suffered from widespread insecurity, particularly in the northeast, where Boko Haram and other extremist factions remain active.