U.S. lawmaker backs Trump’s move to sanction Nigerian officials over Christian killings
A U.S. lawmaker has announced plans to push for sanctions against Nigerian officials accused of complicity in attacks on Christians, following the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States government.
In a statement shared on social media, the lawmaker commended U.S. President Donald Trump for his “leadership” in imposing the designation, which places Nigeria among countries deemed to be violating religious freedom.
“I’ve been pushing legislation to designate Nigeria a CPC and to impose sanctions on the Nigerian officials responsible,” the lawmaker said. “Thank you to President Trump for his leadership in imposing the designation, and more broadly, for fighting to stop the murder of Christians in Nigeria.”
He added that further action was imminent: “Now we should take the next step and hold Nigerian officials accountable. I intend to be very explicit about who they are in the coming days and weeks.”
The move signals a potential escalation in U.S. scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record, particularly regarding religious violence and government accountability.
Nigeria has repeatedly denied accusations of systematic persecution of Christians, maintaining that ongoing conflicts in parts of the country stem from terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes rather than religious discrimination.
