***Calls for Targeted Sanctions on Corrupt, Complicit Officials
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has commended United States President Donald Trump for declaring Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over persistent human rights violations and the government’s failure to protect citizens from killings and insecurity.
Frank also urged the U.S. to impose targeted sanctions on corrupt and complicit Nigerian officials fueling insecurity and impunity.
President Trump had on Friday announced the designation, citing “widespread attacks on Christians in Nigeria,” and warning that “Christianity is facing an existential threat” in the country.
He wrote on his Truth Social account:
“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.”
In a statement issued in Abuja, Frank described the U.S. action as a bold and long-overdue decision, saying it underscores international recognition of the Nigerian government’s negligence amid worsening atrocities and systemic corruption.
“We commend President Trump for taking this stand—it is long overdue,” Frank said. “By this action, President Trump has shown he cares more about the welfare and safety of ordinary Nigerians than those elected to lead them.”
He said the CPC designation was a direct consequence of the government’s tolerance for impunity and its failure to hold perpetrators of violence accountable.
Frank appealed to the U.S. government to ensure that any sanctions or punitive measures following the designation are focused on culpable officials and their families, not innocent Nigerians.
“We appeal to the United States to protect ordinary Nigerians from the fallout of sanctions. The measures should target those directly responsible for atrocities—not citizens already suffering from the government’s failures, Christians and non-Christians alike,” he said.
Accusing the government of complicity, Frank said many officials know those behind the killings but continue to negotiate with insurgents and bandits instead of prosecuting them.
“The truth is that this administration is not interested in ending the killings. Insecurity has become a business for some within the system. Corruption and impunity are the twin engines driving this crisis,” he alleged.
He called on the international community, especially the U.S. and its allies, to adopt concrete measures such as visa bans, asset freezes, and restrictions on illicitly acquired wealth abroad against complicit Nigerian officials.
“The time for polite diplomacy is over. The world must stand with victims, not with those profiting from bloodshed. President Trump’s action gives hope to millions of Nigerians who feel abandoned by their own leaders,” he added.
Frank warned that failure to act decisively would only deepen Nigeria’s crisis, leading to more deaths, displacement, and economic decline.
“The recurring bloodshed is a direct reflection of governance failure. Officials entrusted with protecting lives must be held accountable when they fail,” he said.
Frank thanked President Trump for his moral courage and urged other world leaders to emulate his example in defending human rights and justice globally.