US Plans Action Against Religious Persecutors, China Endorses Tinubu’s Leadership

Following Nigeria’s classification as a “Country of Particular Concern,” the United States has stated that it will collaborate with the Federal Government to take swift action to safeguard Christians, apprehend those responsible for acts of religious violence, and free hostages.

This was revealed while applauding President Donald Trump’s decision to blacklist Nigeria as an abuser of religious freedom, according to Vicky Hartzler, the chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.

In a statement, Hartzler praised Trump for acting to stop what she called Nigerian Christians’ persecution.

China, on the other hand, criticized what it described as foreign meddling in Nigeria’s domestic affairs and expressed strong support for the country.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump declared Nigeria to be a Country of Particular Concern, claiming that thousands of Christians had been murdered by radical Islamists and that Christianity in Nigeria suffers a “existential threat.”

He cautioned that if the Bola Tinubu administration did nothing, the United States might take drastic action, including even military intervention.

The Federal Government responded by denouncing the US assertion as untrue and reiterating Nigeria’s dedication to preventing violent extremism, safeguarding its citizens, and advancing inclusivity and religious freedom.

A law that would impose harsh penalties on state governors, public officials, and non-state actors implicated in enforcing the Sharia Penal Code is being considered by the US Congress in response to Nigeria’s alleged infractions.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has been tasked with reviewing the bill, which was introduced by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, after it passed second reading.

The legislative draft, S. The “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” (2747), dated September 9, 2025, instructs the US Secretary of State to identify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, apply particular sanctions, and take other relevant actions.

Additionally, terrorist organizations and persons enforcing or endorsing Islamic law in the nation are targeted by the proposed legislation.

Judges, magistrates, jail officials, and other judicial or law enforcement personnel proven to be involved in terrorism, corruption, or the implementation of blasphemy laws would all face punishment under the proposed law.

In particular, it covers anyone in charge of bringing charges against, convicting, imprisoning, or otherwise depriving anyone of their freedom due to blasphemy.

Vicky Hartzler, chair of USCIRF, responded to the executive action by saying, “USCIRF applauds President Trump for speaking out on the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria and making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.”

In a statement posted on the commission’s website on Monday, she said, “The US Government can now develop a tough plan with Nigeria to ensure that perpetrators of violence are held accountable, people of faith are protected, and those held hostage are rescued.”

Asif Mahmood, the vice chair of USCIRF, also stated in an email response on Tuesday that the commission will make sure the Trump administration carried out a number of administrative actions against Nigeria, which it characterized as a persistent offender of religious freedom since 2009.

Due to frequent violent attacks on religious communities, the US State Department recognized Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 and placed it on its Special Watch List in 2019 during Trump’s first presidency.

President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is welcomed by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, according to the statement. “Since 2009, USCIRF has recommended this designation due to the government’s involvement in and tolerance of systematic, persistent, and severe violations of religious freedom.”

At least 200 people, including internally displaced people, were killed at a Catholic mission in Benue State in June, and at least 27 worshippers were killed at an early-morning mosque attack in Katsina State in August, according to the statement.

It said, “These and other violent incidents targeting religious communities are escalating tensions and threatening Nigerians’ ability to freely express their faith.”

Mahmood pointed out that in addition to non-state actors’ acts of violence, the Nigerian government must be held responsible for permitting blasphemy laws to be enforced in 12 states.

“The CPC designation is justified because these laws are enforced and violence against Christians, Muslims, and other communities is tolerated,” he stated. “The administration can now take advantage of this chance to enforce Presidential Actions under the International Religious Freedom Act in order to encourage necessary change in the nation.”

The Nigerian government has “repeatedly failed to address ongoing violence targeting religious communities,” Mahmood reaffirmed in his email.

“We reported on violence targeting religious communities in our 2025 Annual Report, which covered the calendar year 2024, and Nigerian authorities far too often fail to adequately respond,” he said.

He clarified that USCIRF determines when to recommend a Country of Particular Concern designation for any government that “engages in or tolerates particularly severe violations of religious freedom” based on international human rights standards, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, under the International Religious Freedom Act.

Mahmood stated, “Nigeria has met that standard since 2009,” pointing out that twelve state governments still uphold stringent blasphemy laws that are used to arrest Christians, Muslims, and humanists for purported insults to religion.

He continued by saying that the USCIRF had frequently suggested legislative measures that Congress and the US government should implement to enhance religious freedom in Nigeria in its yearly reports.

“The International Religious Freedom Act gives the US government the authority to carry out numerous Presidential Actions now that President Trump has designated Nigeria as a CPC,” Mahmood stated. “Instead of waiving these actions, we urge the administration to do so.”

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Regarding the actions Nigeria may take to obtain a reprieve, Mahmood clarified that the primary requirement for being removed from USCIRF’s list of Countries of Particular Concern was to stop or drastically reduce “systematic, ongoing, and egregious” breaches of religious freedom as described in the organization’s Annual Report.

“International human rights law, local facts, and our statutory mandate serve as the foundation for our recommendation,” he said. “USCIRF continues to monitor and report, and our 2026 Annual Report, which must be submitted to Congress by May 1st of each year, will include our next CPC recommendations.”

Beijing is behind Tinubu.

The US action against Nigeria, however, has drawn harsh criticism from the People’s Republic of China, which views it as blatant meddling in the nation’s domestic affairs.

Mao Ning, the spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry, stated during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday that China supported Nigeria in following its own economic path and opposed the use of human rights or religion as instruments of political coercion.

“As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that aligns with its national realities,” she said in a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja.

“We are against any nation meddling in the domestic affairs of other countries on the grounds of human rights or religion. We also condemn using force or threatening sanctions arbitrarily.

President Bola Tinubu, according to Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, is taking proactive measures to guarantee the protection of people and property throughout the nation.

After meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Idris told State House reporters that he discussed the recent remarks made by the United States about Nigeria with Tinubu.

He pointed out that in the face of mounting international scrutiny, the President had urged Nigerians to remain calm and assured them that his administration is still committed to bolstering national security and fostering unity.

“We always meet with Mr. President on a regular basis,” Idris stated. “We talked about the US issue in great detail, of course.”

He claims that the President is “calm and taking a holistic view of the situation” while attempting to make sure that Nigeria’s continuous efforts to uphold security and peace are better understood by the world community.

In an effort to revitalize the nation’s security framework, Mr. President selected a new Chief of Defense Staff and other service chiefs just last week. That indicates that he has been making a concerted effort to keep Nigeria safe for everyone, Idris continued.

He clarified that in order to make Nigeria’s position clear, the government was purposefully maintaining a measured diplomatic tone while increasing interaction with foreign partners.

He declared, “We are opening channels of communication so that the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing and intends to do to address any domestic or international concerns.”

Idris stated that Tinubu had taken a multifaceted approach in response to requests for more extensive interaction with religious and community leaders.

“Conversations with religious leaders are still going on,” he said. “Mr. President has met with them and will keep doing so. In the Nigerian project, they are significant stakeholders.

In order to combat what he referred to as “false narratives” regarding Nigeria’s religious climate, the minister also stated that Tinubu would continue regional and continental engagements.

“It is completely untrue to describe us as a nation that is intolerant of religion,” Idris said. “Our Constitution provides freedom of religion, and Muslims, Christians, and even nonreligious people live in Nigeria. That will be strictly upheld by Mr. President.

Idris urged people to oppose such misinformation, blaming extremist groups for promoting divisive narratives meant to paint the nation in a poor light.

“Yes, we have security issues, but there has never been a government decision to support one religion over another or to use violence in the name of religion,” he stated. This is a time for nation-building, not conflict, rhetoric, or politics; rather, it is a time to consider our unity and unite.

President Tinubu is “taking the situation very seriously,” he reiterated, and has instructed the appropriate agencies to address the problems “with all the responsibility and depth they require.”

“In the end, we think we will emerge stronger,” Idris promised.

ECOWAS, EU respond

Claims that the current spike in terrorist attacks throughout the area, notably in Nigeria, amounted to genocide have been rejected by the Economic Community of West African States.

The regional organization stated in a statement on Tuesday that the attacks target individuals of all origins and faiths without distinction, emphasizing that the violence cannot be categorized as genocide against any specific religious group.

ECOWAS called on the UN and other international partners to keep helping member nations fight violent extremism.

“Terrorist-related violence does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, ethnicity, or age, as independent reports have confirmed over the years,” the statement stated.

“ECOWAS urges the UN and its allies to assist member nations in their battle against these organizations and to reject any allegations that these terrorist organizations target a particular community or that a particular religious group is being genocided in the area.

“ECOWAS vehemently denounces these dangerous and untrue assertions that aim to worsen community insecurity and erode regional social cohesion.”

The bloc reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and unity and stated that fighting terrorism necessitates a coordinated response based on solidarity and facts rather than polarizing or deceptive narratives.

The statement ended, “ECOWAS calls on the whole world to stand by the countries in the region in their fight against terrorism that targets all communities.”

In a similar development, the European Union has reiterated its dedication to safeguarding religious freedom and encouraging harmonious cohabitation in Nigeria.

This was announced at a press event on Monday by Anouar El Anouni, the EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy spokeswoman. On Tuesday, Modestus Chukwulaka, the EU’s press officer, told reporters in Abuja about his remarks.

Regarding Nigeria, the EU has noted the remarks made by the US government. El Anouni stated, “The EU reaffirms its commitment to protecting all communities, especially minorities, and to freedom of religion and belief.”

“We emphasize our dedication to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians, irrespective of geographic, ethnic, political, or religious distinctions.”

The EU warned against blaming Nigeria’s violence exclusively on religion, even as it acknowledged the US perspective.

“We acknowledge that Nigerian violence is caused by a variety of circumstances. He continued, “Let’s remember that religion is only one of these factors—and only in specific situations.”

The EU stated that it is still collaborating with Nigerian authorities to bolster peacebuilding initiatives and assist displaced and violent victims.

El Anouni stated, “The European Union collaborates with the capable Nigerian authorities and implements multifaceted support in Nigeria to prevent violence, consolidate peace, and assist victims of violence and forced displacement.”

US military installations

Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.), a former Chief of Army Staff and former Minister of Interior, claimed that the US may be trying to build a military facility in Nigeria under the guise of defending Christians from persecution.

Speaking at a Just Friends Club of Nigeria event in Abuja on Tuesday, Dambazau claimed that recent claims made by certain American politicians and religious leaders regarding “Christian genocide” in Nigeria might be connected to outside agendas.

“Both domestic and foreign actors have intensified religious tensions, sometimes leading to the misrepresentation of security incidents as targeting specific faith groups,” he stated.

Dambazau questioned the motivation, pointing out that the Niger Republic continues to experience extreme insecurity even after housing two US military sites for more than ten years.

What did the United States do to stop the spread of terrorism during its more than ten-year presence in Niger? He stated, “I believe the US is searching for a chance to set up a different base in Nigeria.”

The former general claimed that terrorism in Nigeria is a component of a larger regional crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin and impacts both Muslims and Christians.

He cited the Kuje jail break and the Abuja–Kaduna train bombing as examples of how Nigeria’s inadequate security capabilities have made the situation worse.

Communities in Katsina and Zamfara have even made deals with robbers to prevent attacks. “People now look to criminals for protection,” he continued.

Dambazau encouraged the government to foster unity and bolster security institutions, cautioning that foreign interests would take advantage of Nigeria’s internal divides.

He declared, “We must not permit external actors to manipulate our differences for their own interests.”

Leaders of the Middle Belt

Leaders of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum called the development a “wake-up call” for the Federal Government to immediately address insecurity and the ongoing killings throughout the nation amid mounting worries about a potential diplomatic confrontation.

Following its National Caucus meeting on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Abuja, the forum released a statement outlining its position on insecurity, justice, national unity, and the 2027 elections. The statement was signed by spokesman Luka Binniyat, Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Afenifere), Dr. Bitrus Pogu (Middle Belt Forum), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide), and Ambassador Godknows Igali (PANDEF).

The statement read, “The SMBLF notes with very serious concern the designation by US President Donald Trump of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged persecution against Christians.”

“However, we see this as a warning to the Federal Government to act responsibly and urgently to put an end to the ongoing chaos and killings.”

In addition to restoring “occupied lands to their rightful owners” in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Gombe, Southern Borno, and other impacted states, the conference called for the government to disarm and prosecute terrorists, armed militias, and killer herdsmen.

The group called on President Bola Tinubu to expand reforms to the positions of National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence, and Minister of State for Defence in order to guarantee inclusivity and balance in national security administration, even as they welcomed recent improvements in the military hierarchy.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, should be freed, according to the SMBLF, as this would promote national peace and reconciliation.

Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, a former governor of Sokoto State, urged President Tinubu to pursue diplomatic relations rather than conflict with Washington.

Bafarawa said in a statement on Tuesday, “I advise President Tinubu to avoid confrontation and reach out to the American government to present Nigeria’s side of the story.”

Nigeria and the United States are strategic allies in global politics and diplomacy. Nigeria will consequently benefit from fortifying this long-standing partnership.

In a related response, the Yoruba Ronu Group, a sociopolitical organization, declared that Trump’s accusations that Nigeria is “killing Christians” were “false and dangerously provocative” in a statement released in Abuja and signed by Diran Iyantan, the group’s chairman.

“Trump’s belligerent tone is incitement, not diplomacy,” Iyantan said. Such careless language degrades our sovereignty, gives terrorists more confidence, and undercuts our military victories. From Afghanistan to Libya, every U.S. intervention has resulted in turmoil and destruction. Their next experiment won’t be in Nigeria.

The Federal Government’s failure to nominate ambassadors during the crisis was also criticized by the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, which called the decision “unhealthy and unthinkable.”

“The government must handle the allegations of Christian genocide with professionalism and diplomacy, confronting the matter with verifiable facts and figures,” the council stated in a statement signed by Oscar Kalu, chairman of the committee that drafted the statement.

In a similar vein, Kehinde Bankole, an APC leader and former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly Commission, advised Trump against making divisive statements that would divert Nigeria’s leadership.

According to Bankole, the UN Charter’s Article 2(1), (4), and (7) uphold each country’s right to choose its own political, social, economic, and cultural systems free from outside intervention.