Nigeria’s Government and independent analysts reject framing the country’s violence in terms of religious persecution – a narrative long used by the Christian right in the United States and Europe. Thursday's attacks mark the first by US forces in Nigeria under President Donald Trump. The United States this year placed Nigeria back on the list of countries of “particular concern” regarding religious freedom and has restricted the issuance of visas to Nigerians. Trump last month also threatened to stop all aid to Abuja if it “continues to allow the killing of Christians”. On Wednesday an explosion ripped through a mosque in the northeastern city of Maiduguri, killing at least seven worshippers.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 26, 2025 18:34 UTC