U.S. Lawmakers Respond to Surge in Violence Against Christians in Nigeria

Nigeria has once again been designated a “Country of Particular Concern” by the United States, citing widespread persecution of Christians, President Donald Trump announced Thursday. The designation, part of a broader effort to hold the Nigerian government accountable, comes as lawmakers highlight a rising toll of deaths, kidnappings, and attacks on churches.

Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV), who has led efforts in Congress to draw attention to the crisis, said he welcomed the move and that he, along with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, would oversee a congressional investigation into the violence.

“More than 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria this year alone—an average of 35 per day,” Moore said in a statement. “This designation is a critical step in ensuring accountability for mass killings targeting Christians and upholding religious freedom.”

Reports attribute much of the violence to extremist groups including Boko Haram, ISIS West Africa, and Fulani militants. Since 2009, estimates suggest that between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians have been killed and more than 19,000 churches attacked or destroyed. Data from Open Doors, a religious freedom advocacy group, indicate that Nigeria now leads the world in annual Christian fatalities.

Nigeria was previously designated a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 under the Trump administration, but the designation was removed by President Biden in 2021.

Moore has long raised the issue on the House floor and through media appearances, including interviews with Fox News personalities, CPAC speeches, and social media posts highlighting attacks on pastors and congregations.

The CPC designation signals U.S. concern over “particularly severe violations of religious freedom” and gives the State Department authority to engage in diplomacy, impose sanctions, or take other actions to address the abuses.

Representatives from the State Department and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.