Report on the US Congress Probe into Alleged
Christian Genocide in Nigeria
Introduction
On
November 20, 2025, the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on
Africa is scheduled to begin a formal investigation into allegations of
Christian genocide in Nigeria. This probe follows President Donald Trump’s
recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”
(CPC) for religious freedom violations. The congressional hearing is set to
take place at 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building,
chaired by Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, and will be accessible via
live webcast.
Background
Nigeria
was first designated as a CPC in 2020 under President Trump, a designation
later removed by President Joe Biden after assuming office. However, on October
31, 2025, Trump reinstated Nigeria’s CPC status, citing severe violations of
religious freedom. His decision was influenced by ongoing reports of attacks on
Christian communities, including killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of
churches by extremist groups. Trump asserted that Christianity faces an
existential threat in Nigeria, claiming thousands of Christians have been
killed by radical Islamists.