US Designates Nigeria ‘Country of Particular Concern’

Trump said that military action may be needed in Nigeria, along with an aid cutoff, due to the ongoing persecution of Christians.

The skyline of the city of Ibadan in southwestern Nigeria on Nov. 20, 2024. Olympia De Maismont/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. Department of State on Monday designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” following President Donald Trump’s warning that he could deploy military assets to the West African country over the persecution of Christians.

In a notice, the department noted that Trump on Oct. 31 designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” described as a nation that has “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.”