Religious Persecution Crisis in Nigeria

Why in the News

In recent months, the increasing violence against Christians in Nigeria (Nigerian Christian Persecution) has raised serious international concern. The United States and international organizations have now strongly responded to this issue.

Persecution of Nigerian Christians

• According to the Intersociety Report (2025), more than 7,000 Christians were killed in the first seven months of 2025 alone.
• Between 2009 and 2023, more than 52,000 Christians were killed, 18,500 were kidnapped, and more than 20,000 churches and schools were attacked.
• According to the US-based organization Open Doors, 82% of all Christians killed worldwide between October 2022 and September 2023 occurred in Nigeria.

Key Reasons

• Religion-based divisions in Nigeria have historically been deep, with the north of the country having a Muslim majority while the south has a predominantly Christian community.
• Major sources of violence are jihadist groups such as Boko Haram, Fulani militants, and the Islamic State West Africa (ISWA).
• Along with religious reasons, land disputes, kidnappings for ransom, and ethnic conflicts also remain factors in the violence.

Government View

• The current President of Nigeria is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who will assume office in 2023.
• According to the Nigerian government, the violence is "not a religious but a social and security issue," but its passive stance has emboldened jihadist groups.

US Response

• The US President warned that if the Nigerian government does not take action, the US will withhold all economic aid and raised the possibility of military intervention.
• The United States has designated Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" and accused it of serious violations of religious freedom.
• Nigerian President Tinubu rejected these allegations, saying that the US position "does not reflect the reality in Nigeria."