US Lawmakers Back Trump’s Move to Redesignate Nigeria as “Country of Particular Concern” — The Bureau News Nigeria News Today
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sponsors of the United States congressional resolution supporting President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) have decried what they described as worsening persecution of Christians and other religious minorities across the West African nation.
The sponsors said their decision was informed by documented evidence from media reports, NGO investigations, and eyewitness testimonies alleging mass killings, destruction of worship centers, and government inaction in the face of extremist violence.
Findings Highlight Religious Killings and Attacks on Clergy
According to the resolution, for more than a decade, Islamist extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani militias have carried out mass murder, kidnappings, and rapes targeting Nigerian Christians and moderate Muslims in the Middle Belt and northern regions, leading to mass displacement and destruction of churches and mosques.
“Prominent Christian and Muslim leaders have been kidnapped or assassinated, including priests, pastors, and imams who advocate for religious tolerance,” the resolution stated.
It also cited testimonies before the House Foreign Affairs Committee by clergy such as Father Remigius Iyhula and Bishop Wilfred Anagbe from the Diocese of Makurdi, who said they had faced intimidation and harassment for speaking about persecution in Nigeria.
Resolution Urges Sanctions and Conditional Aid
Lawmakers argued that Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a CPC would strengthen diplomatic leverage to press the Nigerian government for accountability and greater protection of religious minorities.
“The designation of Nigeria as a CPC will enhance diplomatic efforts to encourage the Nigerian government to take necessary actions to protect religious minorities and uphold fundamental human rights,” the resolution added.
The document called for U.S. foreign aid to Nigeria to be conditioned on tangible actions preventing persecution, prosecuting perpetrators, and providing humanitarian relief to displaced persons.
It also urged the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky framework, including visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
Specifically, the resolution recommended designating the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities of concern and placing Fulani-ethnic militias operating in Benue and Plateau States under U.S. watchlists.
Federal Government Rejects Allegations as “Misinformation”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected the U.S. designation, describing it as a product of “misrepresentation and misinformation.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told journalists in Abuja that insecurity in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims equally and is not rooted in religious persecution.
“Nigeria faces long-standing security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike,” Idris said. “Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian state is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on misinformation or faulty data.”
The resolution has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. If adopted, it would signal strong congressional backing for Trump’s decision and could open the door to further executive actions.
