American rapper Nicki Minaj has made startling claims about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria during a United Nations event organized by the United States. The superstar artist declared that Christians in the West African nation are being systematically targeted, forced from their homes, and killed because of their religious beliefs.
Minaj's Powerful UN Address
On Tuesday, November 19, 2025, the 42-year-old artist, born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, spoke at a UN gathering focused on religious violence and the safety of Christian communities in Nigeria. Minaj stated clearly that "In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted" and provided disturbing details about the situation.
"Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart … simply because of how they pray," the rapper told the international audience. She stood beside US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, during her emotional address that highlighted the severity of the crisis facing religious minorities in Nigeria.
Context and Political Backing
Minaj's comments came in support of former US President Donald Trump's recent allegations about targeted attacks against Christians in Nigeria. The rapper specifically thanked Trump "for prioritizing this issue and for his leadership" in addressing the religious violence.
Trump had previously threatened to send American troops into Nigeria, declaring he would go in "guns a-blazing" if the Nigerian government continues to permit the killing of Christians. The former president had earlier designated Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" due to reports of violent attacks in northern regions where armed groups have raided villages, burned houses, and killed residents.
Minaj's Humanitarian Stance
The rapper, known for her global activism, emphasized that her comments were not intended to divide Nigerians but to draw attention to victims caught in the country's prolonged security crisis. She insisted that her focus was on humanity rather than political alignment.
Calling for protection for Christian communities in Nigeria "is not about taking sides or dividing people," Minaj explained, but about "uniting humanity." She added that "This is about standing up in the face of injustice. It's about what I've always stood for" throughout her career.
Despite the serious nature of her address, Minaj also acknowledged Nigeria's positive aspects, describing it as "a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions" and recognizing her Nigerian fanbase, the "beautiful Barbz."
Nigerian Government Response and Complex Reality
The Nigerian presidency has consistently rejected claims of religious persecution, maintaining that the violence affecting the country impacts people of all faiths and backgrounds. Government officials argue that the insecurity stems from long-standing issues including competition for land and water resources, inter-ethnic disputes, and criminal activities by armed groups.
Security analysts confirm that the situation is far more complex than simple religious conflict, noting that attacks in many states have affected both Muslims and Christians alike. Some experts have warned that foreign commentary could potentially inflame tensions if not based on thoroughly verified information.
International Reactions and Online Debate
US Ambassador Mike Waltz thanked Minaj for "leveraging her massive platform to spotlight the atrocities against Christians in Nigeria," noting that her intervention had amplified a conversation that Washington conservatives have promoted for months.
The rapper's comments have sparked significant debate online, with some Nigerians welcoming her concern and international attention to the crisis, while others expressed concern that she might not fully understand the complex context of a conflict shaped by multiple factors including banditry, land disputes, terrorism, and weak state capacity.
The event highlights the growing international attention on Nigeria's security challenges and the ongoing debate about how religious violence should be addressed both within the country and by global stakeholders.
