A group of five Republican Senators from the United States-Ted Budd, Josh Hawley, Pete Ricketts, Ted Cruz, and James Lankford-have formally appealed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reconsider Nigeria‘s status under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). They are advocating for Nigeria to be re-designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to ongoing violence and terrorism targeting religious minorities within the nation.
In their letter submitted on Thursday, the senators highlight the persistent persecution of Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, where terrorist groups and non-state actors have been responsible for numerous attacks against this community.
“We urge you to evaluate the possibility of reinstating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA),” the letter states. “This designation would empower the President to implement targeted measures addressing the unchecked violence and terrorism inflicted upon religious minorities by non-state groups in Nigeria.”
The senators recall that in December 2020, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had designated Nigeria as a CPC due to severe religious freedom violations, especially those committed by terrorist organizations like Boko Haram. However, this classification was removed in 2021 by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Recently, on March 25, 2025, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended Nigeria’s return to the CPC list, citing numerous violent incidents against religious minorities.
Detailing specific attacks, the senators note:
“In May 2024, gunmen linked to the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Ansaru abducted 160 children, predominantly Christian, and killed eight individuals in Niger State, though the children were later freed.”
“Also in Niger State, suspected bandits murdered 10 farmers, including Christians. In August, separate assaults in Benue State resulted in the deaths of 70 Christians and the kidnapping of 20 students.”
“Most recently, in late June 2025, reports indicate that terrorists brutally killed at least 200 Christians in Benue State.”
“These incidents underscore Nigeria’s reputation as one of the most perilous countries globally for Christians, with 3,100 of the 4,476 Christian fatalities recorded during the reporting period occurring there.”
The senators further reference President Trump’s May 1, 2025 executive order establishing the Religious Liberty Commission, aimed at enforcing strong federal protections for religious freedom and collaborating with the White House Faith Office and the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom to promote religious liberty worldwide.
They also recall President Trump’s global appeal on September 23, 2019, condemning religious persecution and advocating for the rights of believers everywhere, stating:
“Today, the United States of America unites in calling on all nations to end religious persecution, halt crimes against people of faith, release prisoners of conscience, and repeal laws that restrict freedom of religion and belief. America stands with believers worldwide who seek only the freedom to live according to their faith.”
Expressing appreciation for President Trump’s and Secretary Rubio’s efforts to uphold foundational freedoms domestically and internationally, the senators conclude by urging a thorough review of Nigeria’s CPC status under IRFA and look forward to a response.