The United States government has accused “Fulani ethnic militias” of being responsible for what it described as “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria — a claim the Nigerian government has strongly denied.
The allegation was made by U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in a statement following President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.
“The ongoing slaughter of thousands of Christians in Nigeria by radical Islamists and Fulani ethnic militias is both tragic and unacceptable. As @POTUS said, the United States stands ready, willing, and able to act,” Rubio stated.
On Friday, President Trump announced the redesignation via his Truth Social platform, declaring that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.”
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ — but that is the least of it,” Trump wrote.
He further disclosed that he had instructed U.S. lawmakers — Rep. Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and members of the House Appropriations Committee — to investigate the situation and report back to him.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world!” Trump added.
Nigeria Reacts
Responding to the designation, President Bola Tinubu dismissed the U.S. claims, insisting that Nigeria remains a secular and tolerant nation where freedom of religion is constitutionally protected.
In a statement released on Saturday, Tinubu said:
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. Our administration continues to ensure equality and protection for all faiths.”
He explained that since taking office in 2023, his government has maintained active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders in addressing security and national unity challenges.
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained open dialogue with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to tackle security issues affecting all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity,” he noted.
Tinubu rejected what he termed as “external mischaracterisation” of Nigeria’s religious environment, stressing that such claims fail to capture the country’s diversity and efforts toward peaceful coexistence.
“The portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our reality, nor does it acknowledge the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding freedom of belief for all Nigerians,” the President said.
He reaffirmed that religious tolerance remains central to Nigeria’s national identity.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have always been core tenets of our collective identity. Nigeria opposes all forms of persecution and will continue to uphold these values,” Tinubu declared.
The President added that his administration remains committed to working with the U.S. and other international partners to promote mutual understanding and protect all faith communities.
“Our government is committed to engaging with the United States and the international community to strengthen cooperation in the protection of citizens of all faiths,” Tinubu said.
