Recent reports highlight a troubling increase in the persecution of Christians throughout sub-Saharan Africa. According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, a staggering three-quarters of Christians killed globally are murdered in Nigeria.
Among the top 50 nations where deaths are linked to the victims’ Christian faith, 14 are located in sub-Saharan Africa. Open Doors is a Christian charity dedicated to assisting those facing persecution for their beliefs.
The organization states that one out of every seven Christians globally encounters high levels of persecution, but that number escalates to one in five within Africa.
Nigeria
Nigeria, which has the largest population in Africa, ranks as the seventh most dangerous country in the world for religious persecution. In the year leading up to September 2025, it’s reported that out of 4,849 Christians killed globally for their faith, an alarming 3,490 occurred in Nigeria, making up about 72% of the total.
While Muslims also face violence in Nigeria, the data indicates that Christians are disproportionately targeted. For instance, in Benue State, 1,310 Christians were killed compared to just 29 Muslims. Plateau State saw 546 Christian deaths against 48 Muslim fatalities, while in Taraba State, 73 Christians were murdered as opposed to 12 Muslims. In Kaduna State, which lies in the northwest, 1,116 Christians were kidnapped in 2025 compared to 101 Muslims.
Henrietta Blyth, the CEO of Open Doors UK, emphasized that there’s a clear religious aspect to this horrific violence, suggesting it should not be dismissed as random. Victims have reported that their attackers declared, “We will destroy all Christians.” Blyth added, “To ignore this religious dimension means failing to address the tragedy effectively.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohamed Idris, acknowledged the painful reality of the losses but stressed that the nation’s challenges stem from criminal insurgencies and not from organized religious persecution. He asserted that the government is dedicated to protecting all citizens while addressing the root causes of violence, including resource disputes and banditry.
Idris pointed out that the violence in the Middle Belt area of Nigeria is largely driven by longstanding conflicts and should not be oversimplified as a targeted assault on Christians. He noted that while some attacks might have communal implications, framing it as a coordinated campaign against Christians risks overlooking the complex dynamics at play.
Sudan
Turning to Sudan, the ongoing civil war has resulted in about 150,000 fatalities since 2023, with the situation for the country’s two million Christians deteriorating significantly. Rafat Samir, from the Sudanese Evangelical Alliance, stated that Christians often find themselves seen as enemies by both sides, suffering exclusion and even eviction.
Open Doors argues that a worrying pattern is emerging across sub-Saharan Africa, where weak governmental structures allow Islamic extremists to operate without restraint. These groups aim to establish a “Sharia state” governed by a radical interpretation of Islamic law.
Globally, North Korea remains the most dangerous country for Christians, with dire consequences for those uncovered. Following significant violence against Christians after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, the country has moved to sixth place on the list of persecutors. Meanwhile, China’s strict regulations and surveillance have driven Christianity underground, placing it at 17th on the list.
The conflict timeline intertwines with U.S. military action in Nigeria against Islamic extremists following directives issued by President Trump, which prompted reactions from various militant groups in the region.
Many Christians in northern Nigeria find themselves in precarious situations, coping with ongoing threats of violence, displacement, and loss of stability.
