The situation for Christians in Nigeria is dire, marked by systemic violence and persecution that has persisted for over a decade. Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors, described this climate of terror to Breitbart News, noting the “remarkable resilience and faith” exhibited by nearly half of Nigeria’s population. This population ranks among the most vulnerable in the world, targeted by various militant groups, with Nigeria landing as the seventh most dangerous country for Christians according to the annual World Watch List.
The attacks primarily come from Boko Haram, Fulani terrorists, and factions linked to the Islamic State. These groups have targeted Christian communities, resulting in the displacement of millions. Open Doors reported that during the latest reporting period, 3,490 Christians were killed for their faith, the highest toll globally, reflecting a troubling increase from the previous year. Brown stated, “Nigeria has been at the maximum violence score (16.7 out of 16.7) for eight consecutive years,” underscoring the relentless nature of this persecution.
Nigeria’s landscape complicates the violence; it is fragmented by ethnic disputes, weak governance, and fierce competition over resources. These factors have allowed extremist groups to thrive while wreaking havoc on Christian communities. Brown mentioned, “The violence Christians face in Nigeria is driven by a complex convergence of Islamic militancy, ethnic conflict, weak governance, organized crime, and competition for resources.”
The government’s response has drawn scrutiny. President Bola Tinubu has vowed to combat these escalating acts of violence but has faced criticism for insufficient action during much of 2025. In an attempt to address these shortcomings, former President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for religious persecution, which acknowledges the urgent need for intervention. Trump also authorized military strikes against terrorist groups in the region, stating on Christmas Day, “I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay.”
This military action raised questions on the international stage, prompting Nigerian officials to clarify their government’s cooperation with the United States. “This … puts to rest any doubt with regards to the Tinubu administration’s resolve to fight terrorism,” Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar told CNN, emphasizing the commitment to collaboration in fighting this menace.
Despite overwhelming challenges, the church in Nigeria has maintained a steadfast spirit. Open Doors continues to provide trauma care, emergency relief, and training despite the violence. Brown highlighted the unwavering faith of the Nigerian church, noting that even amid years of suffering, faith remains a cornerstone of resilience in these communities.
The World Watch List identifies that 388 million Christians live in nations where they face significant persecution. While Nigeria holds a grim position among the countries ranking lowest for Christian safety, it serves as a stark reminder of the struggle many believers face globally. The escalation of violence and the complexity of Nigeria’s socio-political environment underscore the urgent need for sustained attention and action to safeguard the rights of Christians in the region.
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