U.S. President Donald Trump has redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians and claims of an ongoing “Christian genocide” in parts of the country.

President Trump announced the decision in a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, saying Christianity was facing an “existential threat” in Nigeria and accusing what he described as “radical Islamists” of being responsible for the killings of Christians in several regions.

The redesignation, made under the International Religious Freedom Act, paves the way for potential sanctions or diplomatic restrictions, although such measures are not automatically imposed under the CPC mechanism.

According to reports, the decision follows renewed pressure from American lawmakers and religious advocacy groups who have repeatedly urged Washington to take tougher action against Nigeria’s government over alleged inaction on religiously motivated violence.

However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims of a targeted Christian genocide, maintaining that the country’s security challenges stem from broader issues of terrorism, banditry, and communal violence affecting both Christians and Muslims.

Nigeria was first placed on the U.S. CPC list in 2020 during Trump’s previous term but was removed in 2023 as part of diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.