US House of Representatives launches Probe into Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to scrutinise President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.

The session, slated for 11 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and streamed live online, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a long-time advocate on global religious liberty issues.

According to an invitation issued to members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the hearing will convene two panels. The first panel will feature senior officials from the US Department of State, including Jonathan Pratt, the Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

A second panel will include prominent voices from religious and policy organisations, among them the Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Ms. Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese; and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The review will assess the scale of religious persecution in Nigeria and explore possible US responses, ranging from targeted sanctions to humanitarian assistance and increased cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

Trump’s Hardline Position
President Trump reignited debate on October 31, 2025, when he returned Nigeria to the CPC list, a designation that paves the way for sweeping punitive measures against foreign officials implicated in religious repression. In a strongly worded statement the following day, he alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing an “existential threat,” claiming thousands had been killed by Islamist extremists.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria,” Trump warned. “We may very well go into that country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the terrorists committing these atrocities.”

He also directed the US “Department of War” to prepare for possible intervention, saying any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

“President Trump Is Very Serious, Don’t Test Him” — U.S. Lawmaker Riley Moore Tells Nigerian Government to Embrace U.S. Partnership

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has warned that President Donald Trump’s resolve should not be tested, describing the President as “very serious about this.”

Moore stated that the United States’ intervention in Nigeria presents an opportunity for “Nigerians to strengthen and deepen their relationship with the United States.” He added that Nigeria can build partnerships with the U.S. to counter the terrorist threat that is spreading across the country.

“I’m asking Nigeria to do the right thing, partner with the United States, help us to protect the Christians in your country and we will help you,” he concluded.

Riley Moore represents West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee and has been active on issues of religious freedom and international human rights.

The lawmaker made these remarks during a media interview in Washington, D.C., while addressing the ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria and urging stronger cooperation between the two nations to tackle terrorism.

US Senator Ted Cruz Condemns China Over “Largest Crackdown” On Christians, Demands Release Of Detained Pastor.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Cruz said he was “glad to see the U.S. Senate unanimously pass resolution condemning the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin,” calling the incident part of a disturbing pattern of systematic persecution of Christians in China.

The United States Senator, Ted Cruz, has condemned what he described as a “grave violation of religious freedom and human dignity” by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) following the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin, the leader of one of China’s largest underground churches.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Cruz said he was “glad to see the U.S. Senate unanimously pass resolution condemning the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin,” calling the incident part of a disturbing pattern of systematic persecution of Christians in China.

“In China, Christians are fighting daily for their religious freedom against the Chinese Communist Party,” Cruz wrote.

Accompanying the post was a video of his Senate floor speech, in which he accused the Chinese government of launching the largest coordinated nationwide crackdown on Christians in more than four decades.

“I rise today to speak about a grave matter and a clear violation of religious freedom, human dignity, and the rule of law,” Cruz declared.

“On October 10, 2025, the Chinese Communist Party launched the largest coordinated nationwide crackdown in more than four decades against a Christian urban home house church in China. In that sweep, 23 pastors and church members of the Zion Church, one of China’s largest underground congregations, were arrested and wrongfully detained.”

The Texas senator said Pastor Ezra Jin and his congregation were not involved in any acts of violence, but were simply worshipping and serving God, when the regime labelled them enemies of the state.

Nigerian Shari’ah Council Asks Tinubu To Immediately Sack INEC Chairman, Prof Amupitan Over 'Legal Brief On Genocide’.

The Shari'ah Council's call on Saturday followed SaharaReporters’ exclusive report that revealed that Professor Amupitan once authored a legal brief in 2020 containing

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the appointment of the newly inaugurated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan.

The Shari'ah Council's call on Saturday followed SaharaReporters’ exclusive report that revealed that Professor Amupitan once authored a legal brief in 2020 containing

exclusively obtained the report titled "Nigeria's Silent Slaughter" where the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in his legal brief, called for urgent intervention to stop what he termed “pogrom and attacks against the Christians and minority groups in Nigeria.”

Amupitan, recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu to head the country's electoral commission, had titled his contribution, “Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria – The Implications for the International Community."

The document published by the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a global advocacy network promoting human rights and religious freedom — was officially signed under Amupitan’s law firm, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) & Co., Legal Practitioners & Corporate Consultants, with offices in Jos and Abuja.

The Shari'ah council described Amupitan's legal brief as “provocative, distorted and bigoted assertions” against Muslims in Northern Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 7, 2025 (16th Jumada I 1447 AH), the SCSN said it received with “deep disappointment and grave concern” the SaharaReporters investigation alleging that Amupitan’s 2020 legal document characterised Northern violence as “Christian genocide” and linked the insecurity in the North to the 19th-century Jihad of Sheikh Uthman bn Fodio.

U.S. Bill Seeks Visa Bans, Asset Freezes for Miyetti Allah Over Religious Freedom Violations.

A new bill before the United States Congress has proposed targeted sanctions on Nigerian individuals and groups accused of severe violations of religious freedom, naming the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore among entities of concern.

The legislation, introduced on Tuesday by House Representative Smith Christopher, recommends visa restrictions and asset freezes for members of the listed groups. Christopher also praised President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under US law.

In the bill, “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states were also placed on the Entities of Particular Concern (EPC) list reserved for non-state actors implicated in serious religious freedom abuses. Previously designated EPCs include Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, ISIS-Sahel, the Taliban, and the Houthis.

The development came the same day US Senator Ted Cruz renewed pressure on Abuja, vowing to hold Nigerian officials accountable over what he described as evidence of a Christian gen+cide. Cruz, who in October proposed the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, said he would soon name officials he believes enabled religious persecution.

His earlier bill sought sanctions against federal or state officials accused of promoting or enforcing blasphemy laws.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected such allegations, insisting that insecurity across the country is driven by criminal activity rather than religious motivations.

31 U.S. lawmakers praise Trump for reinstating Nigeria as country of particular concern.

Thirty-one members of the united states congress have commended former president donald trump for reinstating nigeria’s designation as a “country of particular concern” (cpc), a status reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom.

In a joint statement released by Rep. Robert Aderholt, chairman of the house values action team, the lawmakers described trump’s move as a bold and moral step to confront what they called the persecution of christians in nigeria. Aderholt said the decision revived hope among nigeria’s christian communities and reaffirmed america’s commitment to defending global religious liberty.

House majority whip tom emmer hailed trump’s courage, calling him “a leader unafraid to defend people of faith,” while republican chair lisa mcclain condemned the killings in nigeria as “a moral outrage.”

Representatives chris smith, josh brecheen, mary miller, and mark alford urged for stronger u.s. sanctions and action against perpetrators of religious violence. smith, who chairs the house subcommittee on africa, said the move corrected the biden administration’s earlier decision to lift nigeria’s cpc status in 2020.

Trump had announced the reinstatement on his truth social page, warning that christianity faced an “existential threat” in nigeria and vowing that the U.S. would not ignore the killings. rep. riley moore, who raised the issue in congress, praised trump’s “moral clarity and leadership.”

However, nigeria’s government rejected the allegations, saying its conflicts are driven by crime, insurgency, and socio-economic issues — not religion. minister of information mohammed idris said the u.s. report was based on misinformation. President Bola Tinubu also reaffirmed nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom, stressing that the nation’s constitution guarantees equality and peaceful coexistence among all faiths.

"Nigeria pledges stronger cooperation with U.S. to eliminate terrorism" -Minister of Information Mohammed Idris.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to deepening collaboration with the United States and other international partners to eradicate terrorism in Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the U.S. Government’s recent classification of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom, describing it as a misrepresentation of the nation’s security dynamics.

Idris clarified that terrorism in Nigeria does not target any religious or ethnic group, stressing that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from extremist attacks. He highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has recorded notable progress, with over 13,500 terrorists neutralized, 17,000 suspects arrested, and nearly 9,800 hostages rescued since May 2023.

He further revealed that more than 124,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered, while many terror leaders in the North-East and North-West have been eliminated. In the South-East, he noted, coordinated operations have reduced violent attacks by nearly 80 percent.

According to Idris, the government’s recent changes in Service Chiefs and security reforms were introduced to boost efficiency, accountability, and innovation within the defence system.

He cited Nigeria’s acquisition of U.S.-made Super Tucano jets and AH-1Z Viper helicopters as examples of successful military cooperation and urged Washington to adopt a constructive and informed approach to Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting religious freedoms and ensuring national unity, Idris assured that the Tinubu administration will continue to work closely with allies to completely eliminate terrorism and sustain peace across the country.

I’ll soon name Nigerian officials responsible for murdering Christians Senator Ted Cruz.

United States Senator, Ted Cruz has vowed to publicly identify Nigerian government officials allegedly responsible for the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

The Republican lawmaker made the statement on Tuesday via his official X handle, stressing his commitment to holding accountable those he claims have enabled or participated in religious persecution.

Cruz, a former US presidential candidate and a known advocate for religious freedom, said he had been pushing legislation to redesignate Nigeria as a, Country of Particular Concern, CPC, a classification for nations accused of severe violations of religious liberty.

US President Donald Trump had earlier designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern.

The US President cited what he described as ongoing violence against Christians and failure of the government to protect religious minorities.

However, the Nigerian government strongly denied persecution of any religious groups in Nigeria.

Cruz commended Trump for designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, CPC, and for his efforts to stop the murder of Christians in Nigeria.

He said: “I’ve been pushing legislation to designate Nigeria a CPC and to impose sanctions on the Nigerian officials responsible.

European Union pledges support for Nigeria amid possible U.S. military action reports; signals readiness to enhance security cooperation.

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria, emphasizing respect for the country’s sovereignty and a focus on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the EU’s stance is independent and based on a long-standing partnership and shared values with Nigeria.

He assured that the EU and its member states would continue to uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty while supporting victims of violence, authorities protecting citizens, and efforts to promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious communities.

Mignot highlighted the EU’s readiness to boost support in security and defence, working with civil society, traditional leaders, and religious organizations. He cited ongoing programs on deradicalization, demobilisation, and reintegration of former members of non-state armed groups in the North-East.

The ambassador stressed protection for minorities and religious freedom, noting that while challenges remain, Nigeria’s legal framework supports human rights. He said EU assistance is non-discriminatory, covering all victims of violence, and reinforced interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence initiatives.

He added that EU-Nigeria cooperation is based on mutual interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic country, with plans for a security and defence dialogue to deepen strategic collaboration.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump threatened military action over alleged anti-Christian violence, labeling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and warning that aid could be cut if attacks on Christians continue.

FG Should Take Trump Seriously’ – Ex-DSS Director.

A former director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has advised the Federal Government to take United States President, Donald Trump’s Christian genocide claims and threat of military action seriously.

Trump, barely a day after declaring Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), threatened military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.

In the explosive post on his Truth Social Platform, Trump said, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.”

However, Ejiofor, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, urged the Nigerian government to explore diplomatic means to resolve the issue.

While the Federal Government has dismissed the allegations and restated its commitment to religious freedom, the former DSS director said Trump’s comment should not be dismissed as mere play.

He said, “I think the Federal Government should take Donald Trump seriously. I’m calling on the Nigerian government to explore all diplomatic channels.

“You see, it is a very serious matter when you talk of Donald Trump. I take a very serious exception to the statement credited to Donald Trump because he says what he wants to do, and he will go ahead to do it,” Ejiofor said. “So, it is not a play that we can gloss over. It is a threat.”

U.S. Rep Hits Back At China Over Criticism Of Trump’s Warning To Nigerian Govt.

U.S. Representative Riley M. Moore has hit back at China’s criticism of America’s position on alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, insisting that China cannot dictate American foreign policy.

Moore accused China of marginalizing ethnic minorities in their country and clamping down on religious freedom. According to him, such actions strips them of the moral rights to lecture the United States on the issue.

In a post on X, Moore said, “President (Donald) Trump is absolutely right to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering horrific persecution, and even martyrdom, for their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

“China will not dictate our foreign policy to us, and we will not be lectured to by a Communist autocracy that recently arrested 30 Christian pastors for their faith and throws ethnic minorities in concentration camps,” he added.

His comments came after China accused the United States of using religion and human rights as pretexts to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China “firmly supports the Tinubu administration as it leads its people on a development path suited to its national conditions.”

“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force,” Mao added.

The diplomatic exchange follows President Trump’s warning of possible military action against Nigeria over what he described as the government’s failure to curb the killing of Christians.

"Let us not create another Sudan with Nigeria" – Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar Tells Trump and others.

Minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has warned against actions that could push nigeria into a crisis similar to sudan’s, emphasizing the country’s commitment to religious freedom and rule of law.

Speaking in Berlin, Germany, during an interview with deutsche welle, Tuggar reacted to recent statements by the us government, which he described as filled with “menaces, allegations, and threats.” he said nigeria’s stance on religious freedom is clear and well-documented.

“We have articulated what our country says about religious freedom, what our federal law says about it, and nigeria’s constitutional commitment to both religious freedom and the rule of law answers it all,” the minister stated.

He further explained that nigeria’s legal framework makes it impossible for any form of religious persecution to be supported by the government at any level. “our laws are clear, and this book answers all the questions,” he added, referring to a document recently presented to clarify nigeria’s record on human rights and faith tolerance.

Tuggar cautioned that the world must avoid creating “another sudan,” warning against divisive narratives built around religion, ethnicity, or politics. “we’ve seen what happened in sudan based on religion, tribe, and sentiments, and we can see the crisis. after every crisis, it’s still us, the african countries, that come together to resolve it,” he said.

The minister reiterated nigeria’s dedication to unity, peace, and respect for diversity, stressing that the government will continue to uphold the rights of all citizens regardless of faith or background.

US Lawmakers Move to Sanction 12 Nigerian Governors Over Alleged Christian Persecution.

According to a report by The Punch on Monday, November 3, 2025, a major diplomatic clash is brewing between Nigeria and the United States as the US Congress considers a bill that could impose sanctions on 12 northern governors, judges, and traditional rulers accused of complicity in religious persecution.

The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, follows President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged Christian genocide.

The bill seeks visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions on officials enforcing or tolerating Sharia or blasphemy laws under the Global Magnitsky framework.

Trump claimed thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria, directing the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to act “without delay.” He warned of possible military intervention if the killings persist, saying the US could go “guns-a-blazing” against Islamic terrorists.

Nigeria’s Federal Government rejected the allegations, asserting that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits any state religion. It clarified that Sharia applies only to Muslims in certain northern states and is subject to constitutional review.

Foreign affairs experts warn the crisis could damage bilateral relations, reduce US aid, and affect arms deals vital to Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

Former ambassador Mohammed Mabdul said the CPC tag would “weaken diplomatic cooperation,” while ex–Foreign Ministry spokesman Ogbole Amedu-Ode urged the government to protect citizens’ rights and rebuild global trust.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to meet Trump soon to clarify Nigeria’s stance and strengthen security ties amid rising global scrutiny.

President Tinubu replies Donald Trump over Christian Genocide Claims.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has responded to US President Donald Trump, saying that Nigeria does not tolerate religious persecution.

The Nigerian president made the statement in response to Trump’s Friday announcement redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” Trump had claimed that Nigerian Christians were facing an existential threat, pledging that the US would protect them.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,” Trump said in a social media post on Friday.

On Saturday, President Tinubu responded via social media, emphasising Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said.

“Since 2023, our administration has actively engaged with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across all faiths and regions.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into account the consistent and sincere efforts of our government to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians.

“Religious freedom and tolerance are core tenets of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.

“Our constitution guarantees the protection of citizens of all faiths, and our administration remains committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation in protecting communities of all religions.”

FG Slams Trump Over “Country of Concern” Designation on Nigeria.

The Federal Government has rejected US President Donald Trump’s decision to classify Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” dismissing his claims of widespread persecution of Christians as inaccurate and misleading.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump alleged that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,” blaming radical Islamists for what he described as “mass slaughter.”

Responding in a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the allegations do not represent the true situation in Nigeria.

According to ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigerians of all religious backgrounds have historically lived, worked, and worshipped together in peace.

He noted that while the Nigerian government welcomes international concern for human rights and religious freedom, the claims are “misleading and contrary to the government’s sustained efforts to promote peace and unity.”

Christian genocide: Ted Cruz reveals fresh move against blasphemy, sharia laws in Nigeria.

United States Senator Ted Cruz has announced new legislative efforts aimed at countering the enforcement of blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria.

The development comes after President Donald Trump’s designation of the country as one of particular concern over religious freedom violations.

Cruz, in a post on X on Friday, said he was gratified by Trump’s decision, noting that he had long advocated measures to address the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

He described the designation as a critical step toward holding accountable Nigerian officials who have enabled or tolerated violence and persecution based on religion.

According to him, his proposed legislation would reinforce the US government’s stance by targeting individuals responsible for implementing blasphemy and sharia laws, adding that he would work with the administration and Congress to advance the bill and ensure its full implementation.

Cruz said, “I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination. I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today.

“Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behavior of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria. My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures. Today’s decision by President Trump is a great one, and I thank him for his strong leadership.”

"US Lawmakers Relying on False Data to Allege Christian Genocide" — Information Minister Mohammed Idris.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed claims by some United States lawmakers alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing them as based on faulty and misleading data.

In an interview with CNN, Idris said the claims do not accurately reflect Nigeria’s complex security realities. According to a statement by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister explained that violent attacks in the country are not driven by religion.

“Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals also target Muslims, especially in the northern region,” he said.

Idris was responding to calls by some US legislators urging the US Secretary of State to sanction Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians. He rejected the claim, stressing that Nigeria upholds religious freedom, human rights, and democracy, as guaranteed by its Constitution.

The minister warned that framing Nigeria’s insecurity as a religious conflict could fuel division and strengthen the agenda of criminals seeking to inflame tensions. “Portraying the situation as Christians versus Muslims is dangerous and inaccurate,” he cautioned.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, Idris noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has intensified efforts and invested heavily in combating terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.

He reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a tolerant and diverse nation, urging international partners to rely on verified information when assessing the country’s internal situation.

US bishops condemn killing of Christians, Muslims in Nigeria.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on Tuesday condemned the kidnapping and brutal killing of thousands of Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.

In a statement on the 27th anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act, the bishops also criticized the Nigerian government for imprisoning “members of both religious groups for blasphemy.”

Bishop Elias Zaidan, chairman of USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, and Bishop Kevin Rhoades, chairman of USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty, called for solidarity with people suffering worldwide.

Condemning instances where some governments tolerate severe violations of religious freedom, the clerics urged individuals, communities, and organizations to do their part in promoting religious liberty for all.

The American bishops added that the acts of repressing or persecuting religions are “ultimately detrimental to the peaceful development of all nations.”

Also commemorating the enactment of the IRF Act, the United States government restated its commitment to championing the unalienable right of religious freedom.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio decried how hundreds of millions of people of faith worldwide face threats of violence, imprisonment, and death for simply living out their faith.

Rubio noted that religious persecution destabilizes countries, undermines hope for peace, and attacks the core truth that faith is essential to human flourishing and a free society.

Vatican Finally Breaks Silence on Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The Vatican has finally spoken out on the growing international narrative of an alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, addressed the issue while presenting a new global report on religious freedom by the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in Rome.

His comments come amid heated global debates following remarks made by Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.

Shettima’s call for peace in Gaza sparked a wave of reactions online, with some Western voices, including American security contractor Eric Prince, alleging that Christians in Nigeria were facing genocide.

Prince had even called on “the Vatican, the Pope, President Donald Trump, and Christian leaders worldwide to ‘fund and support’ a private Christian army to ‘protect the Christian community in Nigeria.’”

However, Parolin dismissed such claims, urging caution in labeling Nigeria’s security crisis as religious genocide.

According to him, the violence in Nigeria is not exclusively targeted at Christians but has broader social and ethnic roots.

“It is not a religious conflict. Much of the violence stems from social causes such as land disputes between herders and farmers in the North-Central region,” he said.

“We should also recognise that many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance. These are extremist groups that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals. They use violence against anyone they see as an opponent.”

'Nigerian Muslims Also Victims’ — Vatican Cardinal Counters Christian Genocide Claim.

Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s insecurity is rooted in religion, saying the violence is driven mainly by social and economic factors.

Speaking in Rome during the presentation of a report on religious freedom by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Parolin cited farmer-herder clashes in north-central Nigeria as an example of non-religious causes of conflict.

“Many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance,” he said. “These are extremist groups that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals. They use violence against anyone they see as an opponent.”

At a parallel launch of the ACN report in the UK parliament, John Bakeni, Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, agreed that the causes of violence are complex pointing to poverty, climate change, and land competition but noted that some attacks clearly carry a religious tone, targeting churches, priests, and Christian symbols “with impunity.”

Their remarks come amid rising global concern and claims of a Christian genocide in Nigeria an allegation the federal government continues to reject.

Following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Rome, Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to former US President Donald Trump, also dismissed the genocide narrative, stressing that terrorists are killing more Muslims than Christians. He said the US would continue to support Nigeria in tackling insecurity.