The Nigerian government has strongly rejected claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who said that Christians in Nigeria are being killed on a large scale. Trump suggested that Nigeria should be added to the U.S. Department of State’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the claims were not accurate and did not reflect the country’s real security situation. Officials emphasized that religious freedom remains intact, and Christians are free to practice their faith throughout Nigeria.

This statement comes after some U.S. Republican lawmakers called for sanctions on Nigeria, alleging persecution of Christians. Nigeria was previously labeled a “Country of Particular Concern” in 2020 during Trump’s first term but was removed from the list in 2021 under President Joe Biden.

The Nigerian government insists that the country is committed to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among all faiths.