In his November 1 post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Christianity in Nigeria faced an “existential threat,” alleging that “thousands of Christians are being killed.”

“Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby designating Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” the U.S. President wrote.

Trump added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” insisting that his administration would be “ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world.”

He also directed members of Congress, including Congressman Barry Moore, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and other Republican allies—to investigate the situation in Nigeria and report back to him.

Naija News reports that the Federal Government had swiftly dismissed Trump’s statements, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all religious groups.

President Bola Tinubu insisted that Nigeria does not discriminate against any faith and rejected the CPC designation as misleading and politically motivated.

Officials noted that insecurity in the country affects citizens of all religions, and accused foreign commentators of pushing narratives that do not reflect the complex realities on the ground.

Russia’s statement is the latest in a string of global reactions following Trump’s controversial comments and reports that U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) was reviewing contingency plans in line with the directive.

Zakharova urged Washington and its allies to act with “responsibility” and strictly within the boundaries of international law, warning that erratic foreign interventions often worsen tensions rather than resolve them.