Another US lawmaker issues warning, says Nigeria becoming ‘deadliest’ place for Christians

United States Congresswoman Nancy Mace has raised alarm over what she describes as escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria, warning that the country is increasingly unsafe for religious minorities.

In a statement released on Friday, November 14, 2025, the South Carolina legislator said “Nigeria has become one of the deadliest countries in the world for Christians.”

Mace faulted the Biden administration for reversing earlier U.S. foreign policy decisions on Nigeria, noting that “meanwhile, President Biden removed Nigeria from the Country of Particular Concern list.”

She went on to commend former President Donald Trump for taking a firmer approach to global religious freedom issues, adding, “President Trump is working to reverse those decisions. 45/47 remains one of the most consequential presidents in American history.”

Her remarks come amid renewed debate in Washington about the appropriate U.S. response to continued reports of religious persecution and insecurity in parts of Nigeria.

Earlier, Trump announced that he had redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing claims of genocidal attacks on Christians. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote: “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria… Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — But that is the least of it,” he said, further suggesting the U.S. could consider military intervention if the alleged killings continue.

However, U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga has downplayed the likelihood of any military action despite Trump’s forceful rhetoric. Speaking on Arise TV, Huizenga said the former president’s comments reflected frustration rather than a concrete plan for intervention.

“I too was surprised by the comments that they came out; that the President came out that forcefully… I suspect that that is not a high priority of having actual military intervention, specifically in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that Trump is more likely to pursue diplomatic and economic measures, particularly targeted sanctions.

“While I don’t envision a surprise attack, I don’t envision that there’s going to be a military response.”

Huizenga argued that sanctions remain the most effective tool, saying:“I would first and foremost encourage them to look at the economic pressure and sanctions on both individuals and organisations… I think that would be the most effective.”

He also pointed to Trump’s record of prioritising diplomacy:“Frankly, this President has been someone who has pursued peace rather than just expanding war. So I think he would be very selective before he did anything militarily.”

According to him, cutting off financial networks linked to violent groups could make a significant impact.

“Sanctions really cut off the flow of money, cut off the flow of travel… if we put economic pressure on them and the inability to move money around, that will have an impact, I think a positive impact,” he said.